#let the record show that the revival robbed me personally (kidding - but it did)

[bunnyywritings]

Can I request Shinsou doing a hero-work study with a young popular female hero? But during the study he starts to gain feelings for them due to their energetic personality and how loving she was to him. How they understand his struggle with his quirk and such, in general just makes him feel more confident. But she doesn’t only sees him as a little brother kinda thing? I hope this makes sense 💕 thank you!

misunderstood and unheard

hitoshi shinso x fem!reader

[a/n: this is such a creative prompt, thank you for the request anon!!! enjoy some sad shinso, -yours truly, bunnyy -`ღ´- ps. for the sake of a hero theme, (y/n) is kinda like an alt girl...that’s how she dresses, her ideals, how her hero costume is designed and how her agency is decorated]

To say he was shocked is a bit of an understatement. He never thought that his work-study application to your agency would be accepted.

You were someone he looked up to, someone he admired. You were a young hero, no more than a couple years older than him and you were already in the Top 5 and had your own agency. You were known because of your quirk. It was very powerful but also seen as villainous. You had a history of never accepting any students for the work-study program, only accepting office interns. So imagine the disbelief on his face when Aizawa had given him the letter. He took it to his room and got comfortable. With fluttering fingers, he shakily ripped open the envelope and tossed it aside. He took a deep breath before carefully unfolding the paper. It was handwritten. You had taken the time to personally hand write him a letter.

‘Dear Hitoshi, I usually don’t take on any students for the work-study program, so I was a little surprised to see your application in my inbox. I decided to take the chance and look it over. Once I saw that you’re currently enrolled at UA, I requested to see footage from your practice matches and the sports festival. You show a lot of promise to become a top hero one day, you’re very talented. As you probably know, I have experience with a quirk like yours and seeing as there’s a lot of very unkind people and unwilling heroes, I would like to inform you that I will gladly accept your application for a work-study. I’m very excited to meet you and help you develop the kind of experience you need to grow as a young hero. I hope you’re ready, your first day starts this Friday at 7am. You’ve already been cleared from class if you decide you want to accept.’

You...you accepted his application...

He hugged his pillow to his chest and buried is red face into it. His heart was racing and adrenaline pumping. He had never been happier in his life. He 100% framed the letter and put it on his wall.

He woke up extra early on the morning of, he just couldn’t contain himself. He had decided to forgo the school uniform and dress in casual clothes, carrying his hero costume in the metal briefcase given by the school. It had definitely improved since his first year, it was simple but it worked. His heartbeat became more erratic as his legs carried him all the way to your agency building. All he could do was stand there, in absolute awe.

“Looks like we were both excited and got here early.” He jumped at the sudden voice beside him, eyes widening as his eyes landed on you. You were dressed in civilian clothes and it took everything in him to not drool. You definitely had style. He blushed when you tilted your head in a confused manner, realizing that he hadn’t responded.

“Y-yeah, sorry. I just c-couldn’t wait s-so...yeah.” He sheepishly scratched the back of his neck.

“Well then, come on in.” You giggled as you unlocked the door and held it open for him, he nervously walked. You followed behind him as he looked around in awe. You never really thought that your agency was anything special but he was looking around like he was in disneyland. People had described your office as very homey. There was an exposed brick interior, all the furniture was vintage looking, a turntable in the corner with a shelf of various different vinyl discs beside it. He felt like he was in his dream bedroom.

“Alright then, Hitoshi.” He turned to you, cheeks still pink. “Time to suit up.” The wink you gave him made his face burn. It was going to be a long day.

Going on patrol with you just made his adoration and pride for you grow. You had posed for pictures, did countless autographs, and even went out of your way to make a tik tok or two with some kids. There was no wonder why your social ranking was so high. Other than that, it was pretty uneventful. There was some guy trying to rob a convenience store while the both of you made your way back to the agency.

“Why don’t you take this one Hitoshi-kun.” You patted his shoulder encouragingly.

“Are you sure?” He cocked an eyebrow at you.

“Yeah, I fully believe in you.” Your smile is what filled him with courage. 

He calmly approached the robber, “Sir are you sure you want to be doing that?”

“Of course! Now leave me alone you wannabe hero!” The second that shout left the man’s mouth, he froze. Eyes going blank.

You watched with your arms crossed, a small smile on your lips.

“Now why don’t you drop the weapon and put your arms around your back.” The man moved stiffly as he did what he was told. Shinso turned to you, eyes asking what he should do next. You unhooked a pair of handcuffs from your belt and tossed them to him. He caught them with ease and slapped them onto the man’s wrist.

After handing the robber off to the proper authorities, you both made your way to your agency. Ordering some lunch and eating it in your office.

“It must’ve been difficult for you.” His eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Growing up with a quirk like that.” After your clarification, he nodded somberly. Unpleasant memories resurfacing.

“All my life, I had been told my quirk was villainous. People were scared that I would take advantage of them, no one would talk to me...and sure things are a little different now but I still feel like no one truly gets it.” He didn’t know why he was being so honest but he felt like he could be honest with you.

“I truly understand how you feel. My own parents disowned me, they were disgusted by my quirk. My classmates were always terrified of me. They’d tell me that, even if I ever got to be a hero that I’d give the person I’m trying to save a heart attack. Even now as a pro, I get slandered in the press or while on patrols. I get called a demon, heroes like Endeavor are trying to kick me from the hero association.” His eyes widened as he listened to you talk, he could hear the tinge of pain in your voice.“Trying to navigate life alone is hard, I’ve been alone all of my life. When I saw you in the sports festival, the way people reacted to your quirk, I felt for you. I know what it feels like so I thought I’d-” Before you finished, a siren went off in your office. 

“Well, looks like lunch time is over.” You smiled sympathetically at him. “Let’s go.“

After helping fend off a villain and having you throw yourself in front of him to protect him, the two of you made your way back.

“Uhm there’s a locker room down the hall. You can shower before heading back to your dorm.” You smiled but he could see you were tired. Right before you guys could leave, Endeavor had some interesting choice words for you and him. You were quick to defend him from the current number 1 hero instead of defending yourself. He felt bad. It was only his first day and you had to protect him from a villain and defend him from the sharp tongue of Endeavor. He nodded and grabbed his bag, making his way to the locker room.

“What do you want Enji? Didn’t you already get enough earlier?”

“Don’t run your mouth brat. I’m here to drop off paperwork for the damage you caused.” The stack of papers he tossed thumped against your desk and you got up and crossed your arms, scoffing.

“The damage I caused? I think you’re confused Enji because last time I checked, my quirk didn’t cause someone’s house to catch fire.” You went to reach for the stack of paper but he caught your wrist in a vice grip and pulled you closer to him.

“Don’t think that you’ll ever get to the top (y/n), I’ll always be there to kick you down.” 

You chuckled, although it came off as more of a grimace. “That’s not very plus ultra of you Enji...you forget. Not everyone’s goal is to get to the top to try and revive any broken ego we have. Some of us are here to actually help people.” That didn’t please him as he shoved you away.

“I’ll be seeing you around (y/n).” He threatened. Shinso frowned as he watched Endeavor stomp out of the building, turning to you and seeing you rub our red wrist.

“Is everything okay?”

“Hmm? Oh yeah, he just dropped off some paper work.” He approached you and softly took you wrist in his hand, thumb gently running over the slight hand print he left behind.

“Did he-?”

“It’s okay Toshi-kun, it’s nothing.” The smile on your lips was convincing enough for him to drop the topic. “Now, why don’t you head back and get some rest. I’ve got some paper work to do.”

“I can help you with that.”

“Oh no, Toshi you should really go and get some rest.” You shook your head.

“Please, let me help you out. If I’m gonna be a hero, I should learn how to properly do paperwork, right?” He smiled, trying to convince you.

“Okay fine. Go put on a record and I’ll order us some more food.” 

Over the next couple of hours, the two of you ate, did paperwork, danced around to whatever record was playing and just goofed around. After a bit, he had fallen asleep while resting his head on the desk.

“I told you to go home and rest.” You whispered, shaking your head. Picking up your phone, you sandwiched it against your cheek and shoulder as you placed your jacket over his shoulder.

“Hey Aizawa, your kid fell asleep while doing paperwork...yeah, I know...well I don’t mind keeping him here. I wasn’t really planning on heading home anyways...of course...thanks Shota.” After you hung up, you pushed Shinso’s hair back. “Sweet dreams Toshi.” You placed a soft kiss against his forehead. He tried hard to fend off the smile threatening to stretch his lips.

After that, the work-study lasted for 3 more months.

“Let’s go out.”

“H-Huh?” He stuttered, looking up from the paper work the both of you were doing.

“To commemorate your last day. Let’s go eat, it’s almost time to clock out anyways.“ He agreed and the both of you decided to go get some ramen. He couldn’t help but feel like this was a date. He knew it wasn’t but a boy could dream. As the both of you ate, he reminisced about spending so much time with you.

“I’m gonna miss you Toshi-kun.” Your sudden confession made his heart skip a beat. “I like having you around.” He paused, standing under a sakura tree that the two of you walked under.

“Is everything okay?” You asked as you turned around, standing in front of him.

“I-I need to be h-honest with you (y-y/n).”

“Oh okay, go ahead.” You smiled sweetly at him, trying to ease his worry.

“I think-I think I’m in l-love with you. You make me feel like I’m not alone and the things I experienced are valid. Y-Your smile makes my heart skip a beat and-”

“Oh Toshi-kun.” You gently cut him off. The sad smile on your face made his stomach drop. “I’m sorry Toshi, I’m going to have to cut you off right there. I can’t reciprocate those feelings that you have.” He was expecting that but that didn’t make it hurt any less.

“Why? Is-Is it because I’m too young? Am I not your type?” The slight desperation in his voice broke your heart as his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“That’s not it at all Toshi but I can’t return the feelings because I see you kinda like a little brother. I care about you and want to see you grow...I’m sorry.” You didn’t really know what to do.

“Oh...no. I-I’ve probably made you uncomfortable. I’m so sorry, I-” He sighed, running a hand down his face, hanging his head in embarrassment.

“That’s okay Toshi, no need to apologize at all.” You gently patted his head. He looked up and wiped his eyes.

“Can I give you a hug?” The question made him bite his lip in contemplation. He decided to divulge and nodded. The feeling of being in your arms made him instantly feel better. The warmth radiating from you was comforting.

“I really am sorry Hitoshi. This doesn’t change anything though. If you want to apply to my agency once you graduate. There’s always room for you.” You leaned down and planted a kiss on the crown of his head. “You can rely on me if you ever need me.” You muttered, you could feel his shoulders shake, there was something wet seeping through your shirt. You went to pull away but he gripped onto you.

“Please...just a little bit longer.” He whispered brokenly. You held him closer to you, guilty for making him feel so upset.

Sometimes, things just aren’t meant to be.

Or are they?? (Alternate ending)

#hitoshi shinso x reader #shinso x reader #bnha x reader #mha x reader #anon ask #anon request

[redditnosleep]

Has Anyone Heard of The Left/Right Game?

by NeonTempo

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 (Final)

Hi Guys,

It’s been a long week, but I’ve finally got to my computer to post the next log. I’ve been working overtime to afford both London rent and Christmas presents. Hasn’t been fun. Anyway I can’t say much more since this log’s one of the longer ones. I’ll try and get the next one up a little sooner.

Thanks for all your help.

The Left/Right Game [DRAFT 1] 11/02/2017

The next morning, everything’s the same.

It’s strange. We’re usually so blind to the quiet consistency in our everyday lives, only really taking notice once something changes. Yet, as I stir a spiral of honey into my oatmeal and glance around the group, it’s the notable lack of change that truly stands out.

Since the previous evening, the atmosphere surrounding the convoy, and the demeanour of each member, doesn’t seem to have altered in the slightest. The night has fallen short in its role as a grand meridian, failing to partition the past and future, and bringing with it neither perspective nor closure. It’s as if yesterday has spilled, like a toppled brush pot, into the next morning, colouring everything with the same temperaments, fears and divisions.

Lilith and Eve sit facing each other, their legs crossed on a plastic groundsheet. Neither are saying very much, albeit for vastly different reasons. Lilith is still preoccupied by her own smouldering indignation, whereas Eve looks overcome with a subtle but pervasive dread. Neither have taken food from Rob’s stove, a decision I suspect Lilith made for the both of them.

Apollo, Bonnie and Clyde are across from me. Apollo is making conversation, attempting to revive his usual good humour. Bonnie and Clyde help him out, laughing at his jokes, and smiling along with his stories.

Bluejay hasn’t stepped out of her car all morning, eating her own rations and maintaining a welcome distance from the rest of the group. Her eyes meet mine as I look her way, and I’m treated to a sharp, sardonic dismissal.

And Rob? Rob is attending to the practicalities of the road; serving breakfast, then topping up the Wrangler from one of the hulking jerry cans. It’s clear the routine is comforting to him. I can easily imagine this is how he deals with a great many problems. Compartmentalising. Recasting himself as a blunt instrument engaged in a set of necessary processes. He’s made himself too busy for grief, and will likely remain so until the feeling fades.

As coping mechanisms go, it isn’t remotely healthy. I should know. I’m doing pretty much the exact same thing.

AS: Clyde, could I get a few words?

Clyde looks up from his food, a little surprised.

CLYDE: You want me?

AS: Hah, yeah… if that’s not too much trouble.

CLYDE: Oh no no, no trouble at all. You want to do it now? I’m not too hungry.

AS: No me neither. That would be great thank you. Would you mind if we moved away from the stove?

Clyde nods keenly. Putting my bowl to one side, I take Clyde to the edge of the apple grove. Nobody looks after us.

CLYDE: How are you holding up Bristol?

AS: Getting there. How about you?

CLYDE: I’m uhh… yeah I’m getting by.

AS: So can I ask… why did you choose Bonnie and Clyde as your call signs?

CLYDE: Hah well it came pretty easy. We used to play outlaws when we were kids, one time Bonnie stuck up a bank.

AS: Really?

CLYDE: Well, no it was an ice cream parlour. But Bonnie was pretending it was a bank and then she ran in, holding her hand like a gun. Told Mrs Gilford it was a stick-up.

AS: Wow, that doesn’t seem like her.

CLYDE: Oh no she was a wild child. Always living in a story. Anyway, we got free sundaes and a new nickname in town after that. When Rob told us about the call signs it was the first thing we thought of.

AS: It’s a good choice.

I pause, letting the previous subject fade before launching into the next one. All things considered, this may be the last time me and Clyde are on such casual speaking terms.

AS: Bonnie told me she talked to the hitchhiker.

Clyde’s disposition shifts. There’s sudden alertness that wasn’t there before, rushing to the fore in immediate response to my words. In the following silence, at the centre of his wide eyed stare, an educated guess suddenly becomes much more.

CLYDE: Wh.. when did she tell you?

AS: I’m sorry Clyde… she didn’t. You just did.

I can almost see the stone fall in Clyde’s throat. The deep, burning embarrassment and hurt that comes from being deceived, from a close secret you held getting out into the world. I don’t feel exceptional either. Lying to Clyde, bringing him away from Bonnie under the guise of an interview… beyond the personal abhorrence, it also flies in the face of everything I’ve tried to be as a journalist.

Clyde can’t bring himself to talk, so I press forward.

AS: I think it might be best if you call Bonnie over here.

Nodding vaguely, Clyde wordlessly shuffles back to Bonnie, whispering in her ear. She puts a hand on his shoulder and helps herself up. Whatever he’s told her, she doesn’t seem angry as she joins us beneath the shade of the apple trees.

BONNIE: I didn’t want to cause any trouble, a… and Clyde’s been looking forward to this trip for so long I didn’t want us to turn back. I’m sorry.

AS: What happened Bonnie?

BONNIE: I just said two words. I wasn’t talking to him; I was doing what Rob said but then he… I just said “Bless you.” That’s all it was.

AS: That’s it?

BONNIE: Well I… he thanked me and then he was just… so easy to talk to and I thought, “Well I’ve already talked to him, what will a few more words do?”

CLYDE: She hardly said anything else.

AS: What about him? Did he say anything?

Bonnie starts to smile, the same way she did last night. A dreamy, enthused expression glowing with reminiscent joy.

BONNIE: He told me about this wonderful place. Wasn’t it wonderful Martin?

CLYDE: Bonnie-

BONNIE: Just a few houses by the sea, but he made it sound so nice.

CLYDE: Bonnie, please…

BONNIE: What’s wrong? I can talk about it right?

When I look back to Clyde, his lips are firmly pressed together, his facial muscles tight. He’s holding something back, but what slips through betrays a poignant dismay.

CLYDE: It’s all you talk about Bonnie. You… you mentioned it a few times after… and since Jubilation you ain’t stopped.

AS: Are you guys talking about Wintery Bay?

Clyde grimaces, and Bonnie grins, when they hear the name.

AS: Bonnie are we heading there?

BONNIE: The hitchhiker said it’s on our way. I’m so looking forward to seeing it.

I can’t say I feel the same, and it’s safe to say Clyde agrees with me. Before now, I’d only heard Bonnie mention Wintery Bay on two occasions, but it sounds like she’s talked about it a whole lot more. I sympathise with Clyde for what he’s had to deal with. However, the gross irresponsibility of his actions aren’t lost on me either.

AS: Does Rob know?

CLYDE: I didn’t want to-

AS: You didn’t want to trouble him? Or did you just not want him to turn you around?

BONNIE: I’m alright, really.

AS: Well either way, you need to tell Rob before we hit the road.

Clyde shuffles uncomfortably.

AS: I’m not going to do it for you. But too much has happened on this trip already. Ace is… this place is dangerous ok? There’s no place for lies any more.

I hope that Clyde doesn’t see the irony, given that I’ve roundly deceived him in the past five minutes. He nods, takes Bonnie’s hand, and walks slowly towards the Wrangler. Rob is loading the last of the fold up chairs into the back of the car. The conversation doesn’t last long, but by the end of it, Rob rests his hand on Bonnie’s shoulder and sends them on their way. He doesn’t look mad. Perhaps he just has other things on his mind.

That’s the second thing I’ve done today that’s inherently non-journalistic. I was supposed to be a fly on the wall for this story, a passenger, recording events with objective detachment without my own influence seeping into proceedings. In many ways I wish I still was. But the stakes are higher now, and though secrets make for good editorial, they’re also potentially damaging to the safety of the group. Following the incident with Ace, I’m slightly less concerned with an unbiased story than I am with getting home to tell it.

Rob looks like he’s about to make his morning address. The group wanders over, some more reluctantly than others, and gathers around the Wrangler.

ROB: First things first, I want to say that… well… tempers got a little heated last night, and that I’m sorry for my part in all that. I wanna thank you for coming with me this far, and if you wanna turn back, well that’s just fine.

The group stays quiet.

ROB: If you are headin’ back. I’d say if you travel one by one, be sure to stay on the radios, retrace the route and follow all the rules that applied when you were gettin’ here. Now can I get a show of hands, who’s wantin’ to keep goin’ on the road?

I observe my compatriots closely. The definites will be Bonnie & Clyde, who have already implied that they want to continue, and also Bluejay, who feels she has nothing to worry about from the road. Apollo is in the wind, and Lilith & Eve are probably a split vote. All in all, this could be the moment our convoy splits in half.

Bluejay throws her hand up lazily. Bonnie and Clyde, predictably, raise theirs. Apollo raises his a few moments later.

APOLLO: Hey, I’ve come this far.

That leaves Lilith and Eve. After sharing a brief glance with her friend, Lilith raises her hand and Eve follows suit, albeit with an air of trepidation.

I’m surprised that no one’s turning back, after everything that happened yesterday, but it’s clear everyone has their own reasons. I’m just glad I don’t have to say goodbye to anyone. I set about trying to divine everyone’s motives for continuing on the road, but I quickly stop when I realise everyone’s looking at me.

AS: Oh sorry. Yeah I’m in... I’m going… that way.

I gesture to the road ahead and raise my hand redundantly.

ROB: Well ok. I guess that’s everyone then. We got a fair way to travel today but there ain’t much to see. Just follow the rules and take things as they come I guess.

As we pull out, I start to feel a little restless. The sedentary nature of travel is beginning to take its toll, and I’m starting to feel overfamiliar with the Wrangler’s passenger seat. I’m glad that I got a chance to stretch my legs last night.

Rolling, Elysian corn fields span the roadside for the next five hours. Turns are few and far between, but Rob’s attention never wavers. I only manage to grasp his attention briefly.

AS: Aren’t Jeeps supposed to have poor fuel economy?

ROB: They ain’t the best. That’s why I always bring gas along.

AS: It’s just… the fuel gauge has hardly moved since we left this morning.

ROB: Haha. You noticed that huh? I was wonderin’ if you were gunna.

AS: Why, what have you done to it?

ROB: Nuthin’. It’s the road. Makes fuel burn slower.

AS: Seriously?

ROB: Ain’t just that either. You finish your food this mornin’?

AS: No… why?

ROB: Hardly anyone did, ‘cept Apollo. More you go, less you need to keep goin’.

AS: Ok… wait you said the road pushes against you.

ROB: Yep.

AS: But now you’re making it sound like it’s helping us along.

ROB: Yep.

AS: So it’s hostile whilst also incentivising us? That sounds odd to me.

ROB: Sounds like life to me. Reasons to stop, reasons to keep goin’.

I suppose that makes sense. Despite his well-documented obsession with the secrets of the road, Rob seems to have a strangely laissez faire attitude to its internal logic. It’s like the road doesn’t need to make perfect sense to him, or at least he doesn’t expect it to yet.

As the fresh rural air drifts in through the windows, I lose myself in the hypnotic endlessness of the passing fields. I wonder how many eyes have seen these vistas. I wonder where we are, not geographically, but in a grander sense. Are we still in the world as I know it? Are we beyond it? Below it? Or have we just slipped through the cracks, into some intermediate domain?

Rob slows the car down to a crawl, a precaution he takes before most corners. My eyes wander gently back into the Wrangler, finally resting on the rear view.

There’s something behind us. A humanoid figure, shrouded in the soft focus of considerable distance. It staggers quickly toward the convoy, unsure on its own feet.

AS: Rob what is that?

Rob follows my gaze to the rear view mirror. His brow furrows.

ROB: Somethin’ new.

Rob grabs the receiver. Before he can make an announcement, the speaker splutters with static, followed by Eve’s frantic voice.

EVE: Guys there’s something behind us... guys? Something’s coming after us. Bluejay can you see it?

Bluejay doesn’t answer. I doubt she considers it worth her time. A squealing panic rings out over the radio as Eve calls again.

EVE: Is it from Jubilation? Guys? Guys?!

ROB: Stay calm everyone. Let’s pick up the pace a little.

Rob lets his foot rest heavier on the gas. The Wrangler gently accelerates, with the rest of the convoy eagerly matching our speed.

APOLLO: Who is that Rob?

ROB: I ain’t so sure, but we got a turn coming up. Let’s just get ourselves off the road, see if he follows.

The figure continues to stumble towards us. Its arms hang crookedly in the air and, as it comes into sharper focus, I can just make out that there’s something wrong with its face.

EVE: Guys speed up, please. Please.

LILITH: Calm down.

EVE: It’s coming for us!

I can sympathise with Eve’s panic. I’ve had the luxury of travelling at the head of the convoy. I was the first across when that godforsaken pine was dropped across the road. Eve is now second to last, relying on three other cars to make their escape before she can follow. Ace had to wait for the rest of us, and it cost him everything. Now Eve & Lilith are one car closer to being where he was.

EVE: It’s face. Oh my god! Oh my god. Guys please!

BLUEJAY: Jesus, shut up!

APOLLO: Hey that is NOT helping. Rob it’s movin’ pretty fast we-

ROB: We stay the course. It ain’t caught up yet just-

EVE: Oh god. Oh god, oh GOD!

Rob’s warnings are cut short by the screeching of tires. Eve swerves out of the convoy’s neat, single file line, and onto the empty stretch of road beside us. The car accelerates past Bonnie & Clyde. Past Apollo.

I get a brief glimpse of Eve & Lilith as our windows align.

Lilith is yelling at Eve, trying to get her to calm down. Eve is screaming into the air, the puppet of her own frenetic terror. The car shoots past us and down the long road ahead. Rob swears and picks up the radio.

The figure continues to lurch towards us.

ROB: Ferryman to Eve & Lilith. Stop the car right now.

LILITH: Eve slow down!

ROB: Eve goddamnit you’re gonna-

I stare through the windshield as their car stops. Not a slow, grinding deceleration, but an unequivocal, immediate halt. Their bodies are thrown forwards against the safety glass as the car becomes utterly motionless.

AS: Rob what’s happening?

ROB: I told’em to be careful!

AS: Why what’s-

I no longer need an answer. I realise that it’s written right in front of me, etched into the side of the road. A brief gap in the endless rows of golden corn, only a little wider than the Wrangler itself. A dirt track the leads off to the left, about ten metres ahead of us, about fifteen metres behind Lilith & Eve. I now understand why Rob was being so careful, and why Eve should have been as well.

They’ve missed the next turn.

ROB: Ferryman to all cars. I’ve found the turn, let’s make it quick. Eve and Lilith you stay in the car. I’m coming back to get you both.

Rob flicks on his turn signal, preparing the group for the sharp left corner, and slams his foot on the accelerator. Lilith and Eve disappear behind a wall of corn as we pull down the dirt track. Rob keeps driving, until enough space is left for the rest of the group.

Once they’re all safely pulled in, Rob climbs into the back of the car, grabs his rifle and jumps out onto the path. I quickly climb out and follow behind him.

When we arrive on the main road, the figure has covered a considerable distance, finally drawing near enough for me to see what’s wrong with its face. At a certain point, midway across the crown of the head, running in a straight line down past the cheeks and under the jaw, the head simply stops. It’s like the foremost section of his skull has been sliced cleanly off, and has bent inwards, his entire face concave and shrouded completely in a deep shadow. A ghastly, organic hood, that seems deeper than physics should allow.

That isn’t all that’s wrong with the picture however. The man’s outstretched arms are bent in several places. Dark purple contusions blossom at every unnatural joint as if his arms had been broken multiple times. His leg is also bent to one side, the reason for the irregular walk that still carries him towards us.

Rob looks shaken as he raises the rifle to his shoulder, bidding the figure turn around.

The man ignores Rob’s demand, continuing its march. Even when a bullet hits it square in the chest, the figure hardly slows down. We’re forced to jump out of the way as it continues down the road, Eve and Lilith cowering in their locked car as it approaches.

Fear shifts into confusion as the creature passes them by, and continues down the road. It’s as if it doesn’t even know we’re here.

Rob breathes a sigh of relief, lowers the gun, and runs back to the rest of the convoy. The moment he leaves, my mind notes something peculiar. It’s an utterly bizarre observation, especially considering the many otherworldly facets of the retreating creature, there’s something familiar about it. Specifically, its fashion sense.

The shirt, the dirt covered jeans. They aren’t dissimilar to the ones I found in the brown leather duffel bag, resting atop the block of C4.

Reaching into my pocket, pulling out my phone, I scroll through my list of contacts. As the man heaves himself down the road, I call the second number I discovered last night. The one in the Nokia’s received calls list. The number that likely belonged to whoever created the bomb, and whoever was driving the car that day.

After a few moments, a ringtone disrupts the creature’s silent walk. I end the call, realising how reckless I’ve been and praying that the strange figure doesn’t see my action as an excuse to turn around.

I’m lucky, this time at least. The dial tone cuts out, and the figure continues to stumble its way toward the horizon.

The next thing I hear is a scream.

Scanning for its source, I see Eve, her door open and with one foot out of the car. She’s frantically pulling at her leg, seemingly unable to lift it from the tarmac.

AS: Eve what’s going on?

With shaking fingers, Eve clumsily unties her shoelace, and lifts her leg back into the car. Her boot stays in place, and it’s possible to make out a slight elasticity to the road below it, a depression in the tarmac around its base. Slowly, and steadily, the sole of the boot disappears into the road. Eve watches as the dark tarmac slowly sucks the boot down, enveloping the heel and dragging it beneath the surface.

The thought comes to Eve the same moment it does to me. We both fix our eyes on the back of the car, where same, soft indent is gradually developing around the tyres.

Eve’s terrified scream is drowned out by the blare of revving engines. I jump out of the way as the rest of the convoy reverse out of the corner and back onto the main road. Bluejay, Bonnie & Clyde, Apollo and finally Rob, park themselves chaotically around me. Rob jumps out and approaches.

ROB: They ain’t pulled back yet?

As soon as he asks the question, he sees the sight before him. Only the neck of Eve’s boot remains above the ground, sinking ever further into the tarmac. The road gradually but voraciously churns at the car tyres, consuming the rubber, and swallowing the lowest edge of the wheel cover.

In the midst of such an impossible sight, all I can say to Rob is:

AS: They’re trying.

Lilith & Eve hit the gas hard. The engine growls at the road as it furiously attempts to reverse, the undercarriage creaking and groaning from the sheer mechanical strain. The wheels themselves, however, don’t rotate an inch. The tyres belong to the road now, taken by the unknowable forces that continue to drag them into the earth.

The engine chokes, defeated, and I can see Eve screaming into her fists as the roadway calmly continues its work.

ROB: Goddamn it we can’t reach’em. Tell’em to get on top of the car.

APOLLO: What the… What’s happening Rob?

ROB: Bristol! Tell’em to get on the roof!

Rob marches off to the Wrangler. The rest of the convoy gather on the road, just in line with the left turn, where we assume it’s safe to stand. Everyone, saving for Bluejay, looks on in anxious silence.

AS: Eve! Lilith! I need you to get on top of the car ok? Guys?

EVE: We’re sinking! Oh fuck… oh fuck we’re-

AS: Eve! I’m trying to help you. Rob’s working on something, but you need to climb onto the roof of the car. Don’t think about anything else. Open the door, wind down your window and use it as a foothold.

Eve is still deaf with worry. Lilith doesn’t hesitate. She places one hand on the upper rim of her open door, one foot on the base of the open window, and her free hand palm down on the car’s roof. The door rocks on its hinges as she puts her weight on it. In one strong motion, she pushes herself backwards until she’s sitting atop the car.

The tarmac has swallowed its way to the car’s lower chassis. Eve stares, transfixed by the road as it pulls her ever closer towards it.

LILITH: Sarah look at me!

Lilith is crouching on the car’s roof, her hand reaching down to Eve. Her friends voice seems to be the only thing that can break Eve’s fearful commune with the waiting abyss. She turns around, Lilith’s hand a few inches from her face.

LILITH: Get up here.

Her eyes brimming with tears, fought back by rapid, shallow breaths, Eve grabs Lilith’s hand. Lilith gets a solid handhold around the lip of her own doorway and heaves Eve up and onto the roof of the car. Eve shrieks a little as the door swings, putting all her trust into Lilith’s grip.

She joins her friend on the roof just as the road consumes the lower edge of the door, spilling inside the car’s cabin like magma.

ROB: Damnit they’re too far away.

Rob has returned from the Wrangler, rapidly uncoiling a braid of long, light blue climber’s rope. I’d seen it resting in the back of the car during the trip, never once thinking that I’d see it used.

Rob threads one end of the rope through a carabiner and secures it in place with a tight knot. He holds it to his side as he shouts to Lilith & Eve.

ROB: Ok listen, we only got one shot at this. I’m gonna throw you the hook and you’re gonna catch it and yank it taut ok? Then you can hook it onto somethin’ and climb your way over. Don’t let it fall. Ok?

Lilith looks pale. She nods before clambering to her feet, and stepping to the back of the car. Eve watches on, her hands wrapped around her legs.

ROB: Well, here goes nothin’.

Rob begins to swing the rope over his head, a large undulating circle that quickly levels out as the weight of the carabiner eases the rope onto a flat plane. I instinctively shrug down as the rope passes over my head, swinging faster and faster. Gritting his teeth, his face reddening with the towering pressure of this single throw, Rob lets the rope fly. It arcs in the air, like a cast fishing line, towards Lilith’s outstretched hands.

I watch it pass in front of her, the metal of the carabiner glinting in the sun as it falls.

She catches it, grasping the rope in her shaking hands.

Despite her victory, I see her face contort with sudden and striking panic. She holds the rope high over her head, staring wildly down at the road between us. Following her eyes, my heart falls. She caught the rope, but she didn’t pull it taut fast enough.

Even with Rob continuing to hold his end above his head, the rope had too much slack when it landed in Lilith’s hands. It’s fallen in a sloping arc, the lowest point of which has scraped against the tarmac. It only rests a few precious seconds before Lilith finds herself unable to pull it free. It sinks into the ground. The rope starts to brush gently against Rob’s fingers before he throws it to the ground.

ROB: Goddamnit! Ok… if I just got somethin’ else. Somethin’ we can put down.

AS: The empty jerry cans? They could step on-

ROB: Too unstable, and we’d have to throw them perfect. Ok… ok.

The road has claimed almost half the car now, eating up the licence plate as the vehicle sinks lower and lower. Lilith looks helplessly on as we deliberate, Eve crying her eyes out behind her.

CLYDE: We could get a ground sheet.

ROB: We ain’t got one that’ll stretch.

AS: Well what about-

APOLLO: I’m going out there.

Apollo’s blank statement catches us all by surprise. Turning in his direction, I note a direct and powerful confidence in his manner.

APOLLO: They aren’t gonna last much longer. It takes a second for the road to get you, that’s how they got so far ahead before they stopped. I drive out, they jump onto my car, then we climb back.

ROB: I ain’t got more rope.

APOLLO: You got the winch right? If I drive out with it bunched up on my lap I can make sure it never goes slack. Then I hook it up to my roof bars and we get the hell outta dodge.

ROB: You got the best car for it. But I should drive out there.

APOLLO: You need to work the winch. Bonnie & Clyde can’t climb back.

He skips over his rationale for not choosing Bluejay, not wanting to waste time on a foregone conclusion.

AS: What about me? I’m lighter, the climb back would be easier.

APOLLO: But you can’t help them when they’re jumping over. We’re wasting time, you know it’s a good idea.

Rob takes a moment to consider it, his mind fighting for a better solution.

ROB: You’d better get back here Apollo.

APOLLO: Don’t plan on hanging around there Rob.

Apollo grins before sprinting to his Rover. Rob, wasting no time, runs to the winch, switches it to manual, and unspools the heavy duty rope. His hands cross over as he drops each new length onto the ground.

I turn back to Lilith.

AS: Did you hear that Lilith?!

Lilith is huddled next to Eve, attempting to comfort her as the car’s headlights disappear into the depths of the road. Her head snaps round when I call.

LILITH: What’s… what’s happening?

AS: Apollo’s coming out to you. You have to jump onto his car and climb back over ok?

LILITH: … Ok!

She hurries back to Eve, grasping her friend’s shoulders as she relays the plan.

ROB: Ok that’ll hold.

Rob’s climbing down from the hood of the Wrangler. He’s fed the winch cable around and through the lighting rig, ensuring a good level of clearance on the way out and, more importantly, for the climb back. The rope has already been fed through Apollo’s driver’s side window.

Bonnie and Clyde are helping to throw Apollos’ baggage out of the trunk and onto the rode behind him. The less he has to lose on this trip the better.

ROB: All set up over here.

APOLLO: Ok. See you on the other side Rob.

Apollo slams his foot onto the accelerator. The Range Rover bolts forwards, and powers toward the threshold. The engine roars as he rockets past the left turn and keeps on going, into the territory beyond. In the few precious seconds he has, he crosses the distance towards the two terrified girls. The winch rope streams through the window, and then suddenly, pulls tight.

Apollo is thrown forwards as the car comes to an uncompromising stop, roughly a metre’s distance from Lilith & Eve. The impact looks brutal, but Apollo somehow manages to keep a hold on the rope and, inexplicably, his sense of humour.

APOLLO: I don’t think I got the insurance for this.

Clumsily, still feeling the aftereffects of the sudden stop, Apollo throws open his door and starts to climb out.

APOLLO: Take in the slack Rob!

My attention fixed on Apollo, I hear the mechanical whir as the winch kicks into life. As Apollo climbs out of his car and up onto the roof, he affixes the hook at the end of the winch to one of his roof bars, securing it in place. A few moments later, the rope is pulled straight.

Apollo steps down onto the hood of his car, his arms outstretched to the girls. It’s a short jump, but they’ll have to make it from a lower elevation, the trunk of the car already sinking to ground level.

APOLLO: Ok come on I got you, we’ve got to move fast now.

Lilith stands up, helping Eve to her feet before stepping down onto the rapidly disappearing trunk.

LILITH: Ok… ok…

Lilith yelps as she throws herself towards Apollo. Her front foot plants itself on the hood of the car, her other leg flailing in the air behind her. Apollo grabs her by the arms and yanks her onto the car, holding her close to him as she gets her bearing on the smooth metal of the hood. When she’s stable, he lets her crawl up onto the roof, where she immediately looks back to Eve.

APOLLO: See Eve, nothin’ to it. Come on now.

Eve paces back, her hands shaking as she contemplates the jump. Fighting against her screaming instincts, Eve squeals as she steps across the trunk and makes the leap across. The toe of her shoe lifting off the car mere seconds before it descends into the murky, black pitch of the road.

Eve lands short of her destination. One desperate, grasping arm makes contact with Apollo’s as her legs bang and scrape against the Rover’s grill, scrambling for any conceivable purchase. Apollo is wrenched sideways by the force of Eve’s landing, thrown off balance by the unexpected application of her whole weight. In the gut churning moments that follow, Apollo tugs Eve up to his chest and wraps an arm around her, his centre of gravity passing over the edge of the car.

The fall takes a lifetime. Wrapped in each other’s arms, Eve and Apollo tumble forward towards the patient, ravenous ground. In the split second before he leaves the hood of the car, Apollo uses his last inch of footing to push himself into a slow turn. The twist continues as they fall, until Eve is looking to the road, Apollo to the pale blue sky. In one final action, Apollo pushes Eve’s waist, holding her at arms length.

Apollo’s back thuds into the asphalt, his head smacking audibly against it. Dazed and concussed, he manages to hold Eve aloft, keeping everything but her feet from joining him on the hard ground.

APOLLO: Get back up… quickly get back up.

Her face shredded by fear and guilt and sorrow, Eve stares into Apollo’s eyes and whimpers. Collecting herself, she pushes herself off him, ripping out her laces, and leaving a shoe and a sock behind as she clambers back on to the Range Rover. With every movement she whispers a quivering apology.

APOLLO: It’s ok. It’s ok. Go on. It’s ok.

He repeats those two words over and over, until I’m not even sure who he’s talking to. The road elasticates around him, dragging him down into its depths. Eve looks back to him, her face cringing in misery.

Bonnie buries her face in Clyde’s chest, unable to watch the next few moments unfold.

EVE: I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.

APOLLO: It’s… it’s alright. Just get going ok? It doesn’t hurt… it doesn’t hurt, really.

Apollo’s ears sink beneath the road. Entering a new world of perfect silence, Apollo sees the end nearing.

APOLLO: Oh god. Rob! ROB!!

I won’t play his final moments, for your benefit and, ultimately, for his. Before he sinks into the road, Apollo asks for Rob to talk to his family. He wants Rob to tell them that he loves them. Rob nods, knowing that Apollo won’t be able to hear his response.

After a few cries of panicked despair, Apollo’s eyes and mouth are enveloped by the road. His screams are drowned by the thick, churning asphalt.

Eve watches the rest of his body sink, while Lilith tugs at her sleeve, pulling her towards the roof.

LILITH: Come on we’ve got to go. Sarah we’ve got to go!

EVE: I’m sorry.

Whispering one last heartfelt apology to the air itself, Eve steps up with Lilith and stares at the cable.

AS: Ok guys just let yourself down until you’re hanging from the rope and work your way across.

LILITH: I got it! You ready?

Eve looks to her friend.

EVE: I… I don’t…

LILITH: Just watch me ok? Follow right behind me.

The Range Rover’s wheels have now disappeared. With every passing second, the cable’s clearance diminishes, and the angle between the roof bar and the Wrangler’s lighting rig becomes steeper. They need to start moving now or not at all.

Eve looks across the length of the rope. I can feel her mind kicking back at the prospect.

EVE: I can’t.

LILITH: Sarah… we fucking have to ok? Follow behind me.

Lilith wraps her arms around Eve, hugging her stiff, shivering frame, before letting go and crouching down to the rope, slowly working her way under it. Her hands clenching the cable, her legs wrapped securely around it, Lilith starts to pull herself along the rope, shifting her feet up every few seconds behind her. She fixes her eyes on me as she drags herself to the halfway mark.

LILITH: Is she following?!

The asphalt swallows the Range Rover’s lower chassis. Eve hasn’t moved a muscle. The stretch of black tarmac might as well be a bottomless ravine, the Grand Canyon. The idea of hanging herself over it mortifies her.

AS: Sarah! Sarah it’s not as bad as it looks, please! Please come on.

Lilith crosses the threshold. Her knuckles are white as she continues to cling to the rope. Rob marches up to her and helps her down into his arms, coaxing her hands free by telling her that she’s safe.

As soon as her feet hit the ground again, they give way beneath her, and Lilith sinks to the ground crying out.

LILITH: Sarah! Come on please!!

EVE: I can’t! I can’t… I…

LILITH: Please Sarah… I need you here.

Her shallow breaths quaking with anxiety, Eve slowly crouches down and grips the rope. Slowly but surely, as the asphalt consumes the car’s licence plate less than a metre below her, Eve lowers herself down and, with clumsy desperation, drags herself along the rope.

She’s left it late. Her back hangs mere inches from the hungry ground as she shuffles unevenly towards us, lifting her feet and scraping them up the rope, her arms straining to stay locked.

EVE: I’m not going to make it!

LILITH: You are! Keep going!

The Range Rover’s window is now disappearing, inside the dashboard has been submerged. With every yard that Eve manages to climb, the lowering rope ensures she stays close to the ground, even over the final few feet.

My heart breaks the moment her foot slips.

It happens almost too quickly to register. As Eve erratically shuffles her feet along the rope, her bare left foot gives way, swinging underneath her and kicking down onto the ground. Eve tries to raise it in time before discovering that she can’t.

LILITH: No… no no no please.

Thrown entirely off balance, Eve tries to pull herself up. However, with her lower leg seeping into the dark tar, her position can’t be maintained. She falls, her body twisting, as she falls onto the road.

Lilith releases a terrible shrieking cry. Eve whimpers as the side of her head rests against the tarmac, her cheek already subsumed.

EVE: I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

LILITH: No. No. Please don’t be sorry.

EVE: I.. love you. I love y… you Jen.

LILITH: I love you too… I’m sorry I didn’t… I’m so sorry.

Eve tries to reply, but half of her mouth is sealed shut, encased in the creeping asphalt. Her short breaths finally melt into one long inhalation, as her nose and mouth are sunk entirely.

One remaining eye takes a final, fleeting look at Lilith, before vanishing.

I look away from what is still to sink. The important things are already gone.

Lilith collapses on her knees, a screaming of torrent of grief expelled from her burning lungs. Rob is completely immobile, likely searching for something practical in which to bury himself. Bonnie & Clyde simply look lost, as they turn their backs on the sinking Range Rover.

Bluejay’s reaction surprises me. She stares into the tarmac, the smirk ripped from her face, replaced by a familiar look of shellshock. She repeatedly mutters something under her breath, something that sounds like:

“It’s not real… It’s not real.”

We stand in silence for what seems like an age, accompanied by the breeze and Lilith’s gradually waning laments. After she’s exorcised the immediate torment, her screaming descends into a deathly stillness.

Rob makes the first step to approach her.

ROB: I… I can take you back home if you want to-

LILITH: No... No.

Lilith wipes her eyes, as tears continue to fall freely down her cheeks. When she turns around, she looks enraged.

LILITH: No. I’m still going. I’m going to get to the end.

ROB: You know I can’t tell you when that’ll be.

Lilith stands up and glares at Rob, then looks over to Bonnie & Clyde.

LILITH: Are you guys still going? Do you have a seat free?

The siblings look to one another. Bonnie nods.

CLYDE: You got a place with us if you want it.

LILITH: Is the door unlocked?

CLYDE: Uhh yeah.

LILITH: Then what the fuck are we waiting around for?

Lilith marches to Clyde’s Ford and climbs into the back seat. She waits for us impatiently to finish up.

ROB: Anyone else want to turn around?

Rob looks to me and Bluejay. Bluejay sends a look of deep scorn his way before marching off to her own car.

ROB: Bristol?

The Range Rover has finally sunk. The road has settled back into a hard, permanent surface. It isn’t like Rob to offer me a ride home, and I feel overwhelmingly like I should take him up on it. But there are too many questions unanswered, too many unchallenged mysteries weaved into the fabric of this journey. Going back now wouldn’t be a return, it would be a retreat.

AS: I’m still going.

A few minutes later, the three remaining cars roll down the dirt track. Leaving another incomprehensible atrocity behind us. There’s a part of me that can’t believe I’m still continuing down this road, a greater part of me is astonished that no one took the opportunity to turn back.

As Rob carries me on to the next turn, and the one after that, I realise we all have our reasons. I’d become obsessed with chasing the truth, as had Bluejay in her way. Bonnie had her own, unsettling motives for carrying on, and Clyde wasn’t about to abandon her. Lilith had directed her smouldering anger and grief toward the road itself, seeking deliverance at its end. And Rob? As far as he’s concerned, there’s only one direction to go.

Still, when I think of the sorrows that have already befallen us, and the potential for unspeakable ruin that lies ahead, I realise that no one in their right mind would continue down this road.

I suppose no one is.

#creepy #horror story #series #left right game series #author: NeonTempo

[sending-the-message]

Has anyone heard of the Left/Right Game? (Part 5) by NeonTempo

Hi Guys,

It’s been a long week, but I’ve finally got to my computer to post the next log. I’ve been working overtime to afford both London rent and Christmas presents. Hasn’t been fun. Anyway I can’t say much more since this log’s one of the longer ones. I’ll try and get the next one up a little sooner.

Thanks for all your help.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

The Left/Right Game [DRAFT 1] 11/02/2017

The next morning, everything’s the same.

It’s strange. We’re usually so blind the quiet consistency in our everyday lives, only really taking notice once something changes. Yet, as I stir a spiral of honey into my oatmeal and glance around the group, it’s the notable lack of change that truly stands out.

Since the previous evening, the atmosphere surrounding the convoy, and the demeanour of each member, doesn’t seem to have altered in the slightest. The night has fallen short in its role as a grand meridian, failing to partition the past and future, and bringing with it neither perspective nor closure. It’s as if yesterday has spilled, like a toppled brush pot, into the next morning, colouring everything with the same temperaments, fears and divisions.

Lilith and Eve sit facing each other, their legs crossed on a plastic groundsheet. Neither are saying very much, albeit for vastly different reasons. Lilith is still preoccupied by her own smouldering indignation, whereas Eve looks overcome with a subtle but pervasive dread. Neither have taken food from Rob’s stove, a decision I suspect Lilith made for the both of them.

Apollo, Bonnie and Clyde are across from me. Apollo is making conversation, attempting to revive his usual good humour. Bonnie and Clyde help him out, laughing at his jokes, and smiling along with his stories.

Bluejay hasn’t stepped out of her car all morning, eating her own rations and maintaining a welcome distance from the rest of the group. Her eyes meet mine as I look her way, and I’m treated to a sharp, sardonic dismissal.

And Rob? Rob is attending to the practicalities of the road; serving breakfast, then topping up the Wrangler from one of the hulking jerry cans. It’s clear the routine is comforting to him. I can easily imagine this is how he deals with a great many problems. Compartmentalising. Recasting himself as a blunt instrument engaged in a set of necessary processes. He’s made himself too busy for grief, and will likely remain so until the feeling fades.

As coping mechanisms go, it isn’t remotely healthy. I should know. I’m doing pretty much the exact same thing.

AS: Clyde, could I get a few words?

Clyde looks up from his food, a little surprised.

CLYDE: You want me?

AS: Hah, yeah… if that’s not too much trouble.

CLYDE: Oh no no, no trouble at all. You want to do it now? I’m not too hungry.

AS: No me neither. That would be great thank you. Would you mind if we moved away from the stove?

Clyde nods keenly. Putting my bowl to one side, I take Clyde to the edge of the apple grove. Nobody looks after us.

CLYDE: How are you holding up Bristol?

AS: Getting there. How about you?

CLYDE: I’m uhh… yeah I’m getting by.

AS: So can I ask… why did you choose Bonnie and Clyde as your call signs?

CLYDE: Hah well it came pretty easy. We used to play outlaws when we were kids, one time Bonnie stuck up a bank.

AS: Really?

CLYDE: Well, no it was an ice cream parlour. But Bonnie was pretending it was a bank and then she ran in, holding her hand like a gun. Told Mrs Gilford it was a stick-up.

AS: Wow, that doesn’t seem like her.

CLYDE: Oh no she was a wild child. Always living in a story. Anyway, we got free sundaes and a new nickname in town after that. When Rob told us about the call signs it was the first thing we thought of.

AS: It’s a good choice.

I pause, letting the previous subject fade before launching into the next one. All things considered, this may be the last time me and Clyde are on such casual speaking terms.

AS: Bonnie told me she talked to the hitchhiker.

Clyde’s disposition shifts. There’s sudden alertness that wasn’t there before, rushing to the fore in immediate response to my words. In the following silence, at the centre of his wide eyed stare, an educated guess suddenly becomes much more.

CLYDE: Wh.. when did she tell you?

AS: I’m sorry Clyde… she didn’t. You just did.

I can almost see the stone fall in Clyde’s throat. The deep, burning embarrassment and hurt that comes from being deceived, from a close secret you held getting out into the world. I don’t feel exceptional either. Lying to Clyde, bringing him away from Bonnie under the guise of an interview… beyond the personal abhorrence, it also flies in the face of everything I’ve tried to be as a journalist.

Clyde can’t bring himself to talk, so I press forward.

AS: I think it might be best if you call Bonnie over here.

Nodding vaguely, Clyde wordlessly shuffles back to Bonnie, whispering in her ear. She puts a hand on his shoulder and helps herself up. Whatever he’s told her, she doesn’t seem angry as she joins us beneath the shade of the apple trees.

BONNIE: I didn’t want to cause any trouble, a… and Clyde’s been looking forward to this trip for so long I didn’t want us to turn back. I’m sorry.

AS: What happened Bonnie?

BONNIE: I just said two words. I wasn’t talking to him; I was doing what Rob said but then he… I just said “Bless you.” That’s all it was.

AS: That’s it?

BONNIE: Well I… he thanked me and then he was just… so easy to talk to and I thought, “Well I’ve already talked to him, what will a few more words do?”

CLYDE: She hardly said anything else.

AS: What about him? Did he say anything?

Bonnie starts to smile, the same way she did last night. A dreamy, enthused expression glowing with reminiscent joy.

BONNIE: He told me about this wonderful place. Wasn’t it wonderful Martin?

CLYDE: Bonnie-

BONNIE: Just a few houses by the sea, but he made it sound so nice.

CLYDE: Bonnie, please…

BONNIE: What’s wrong? I can talk about it right?

When I look back to Clyde, his lips are firmly pressed together, his facial muscles tight. He’s holding something back, but what slips through betrays a poignant dismay.

CLYDE: It’s all you talk about Bonnie. You… you mentioned it a few times after… and since Jubilation you ain’t stopped.

AS: Are you guys talking about Wintery Bay?

Clyde grimaces, and Bonnie grins, when they hear the name.

AS: Bonnie are we heading there?

BONNIE: The hitchhiker said it’s on our way. I’m so looking forward to seeing it.

I can’t say I feel the same, and it’s safe to say Clyde agrees with me. Before now, I’d only heard Bonnie mention Wintery Bay on two occasions, but it sounds like she’s talked about it a whole lot more. I sympathise with Clyde for what he’s had to deal with. However, the gross irresponsibility of his actions aren’t lost on me either.

AS: Does Rob know?

CLYDE: I didn’t want to-

AS: You didn’t want to trouble him? Or did you just not want him to turn you around?

BONNIE: I’m alright, really.

AS: Well either way, you need to tell Rob before we hit the road.

Clyde shuffles uncomfortably.

AS: I’m not going to do it for you. But too much has happened on this trip already. Ace is… this place is dangerous ok? There’s no place for lies any more.

I hope that Clyde doesn’t see the irony, given that I’ve roundly deceived him in the past five minutes. He nods, takes Bonnie’s hand, and walks slowly towards the Wrangler. Rob is loading the last of the fold up chairs into the back of the car. The conversation doesn’t last long, but by the end of it, Rob rests his hand on Bonnie’s shoulder and sends them on their way. He doesn’t look mad. Perhaps he just has other things on his mind.

That’s the second thing I’ve done today that’s inherently non-journalistic. I was supposed to be a fly on the wall for this story, a passenger, recording events with objective detachment without my own influence seeping into proceedings. In many ways I wish I still was. But the stakes are higher now, and though secrets make for good editorial, they’re also potentially damaging to the safety of the group. Following the incident with Ace, I’m slightly less concerned with an unbiased story than I am with getting home to tell it.

Rob looks like he’s about to make his morning address. The group wanders over, some more reluctantly than others, and gathers around the Wrangler.

ROB: First things first, I want to say that… well… tempers got a little heated last night, and that I’m sorry for my part in all that. I wanna thank you for coming with me this far, and if you wanna turn back, well that’s just fine.

The group stays quiet.

ROB: If you are headin’ back. I’d say if you travel one by one, be sure to stay on the radios, retrace the route and follow all the rules that applied when you were gettin’ here. Now can I get a show of hands, who’s wantin’ to keep goin’ on the road?

I observe my compatriots closely. The definites will be Bonnie & Clyde, who have already implied that they want to continue, and also Bluejay, who feels she has nothing to worry about from the road. Apollo is in the wind, and Lilith & Eve are probably a split vote. All in all, this could be the moment our convoy splits in half.

Bluejay throws her hand up lazily. Bonnie and Clyde, predictably, raise theirs. Apollo raises his a few moments later.

APOLLO: Hey, I’ve come this far.

That leaves Lilith and Eve. After sharing a brief glance with her friend, Lilith raises her hand and Eve follows suit, albeit with an air of trepidation.

I’m surprised that no one’s turning back, after everything that happened yesterday, but it’s clear everyone has their own reasons. I’m just glad I don’t have to say goodbye to anyone. I set about trying to divine everyone’s motives for continuing on the road, but I quickly stop when I realise everyone’s looking at me.

AS: Oh sorry. Yeah I’m in... I’m going… that way.

I gesture to the road ahead and raise my hand redundantly.

ROB: Well ok. I guess that’s everyone then. We got a fair way to travel today but there ain’t much to see. Just follow the rules and take things as they come I guess.

As we pull out, I start to feel a little restless. The sedentary nature of travel is beginning to take its toll, and I’m starting to feel overfamiliar with the Wrangler’s passenger seat. I’m glad that I got a chance to stretch my legs last night.

Rolling, Elysian corn fields span the roadside for the next five hours. Turns are few and far between, but Rob’s attention never wavers. I only manage to grasp his attention briefly.

AS: Aren’t Jeeps supposed to have poor fuel economy?

ROB: They ain’t the best. That’s why I always bring gas along.

AS: It’s just… the fuel gauge has hardly moved since we left this morning.

ROB: Haha. You noticed that huh? I was wonderin’ if you were gunna.

AS: Why, what have you done to it?

ROB: Nuthin’. It’s the road. Makes fuel burn slower.

AS: Seriously?

ROB: Ain’t just that either. You finish your food this mornin’?

AS: No… why?

ROB: Hardly anyone did, ‘cept Apollo. More you go, less you need to keep goin’.

AS: Ok… wait you said the road pushes against you.

ROB: Yep.

AS: But now you’re making it sound like it’s helping us along.

ROB: Yep.

AS: So it’s hostile whilst also incentivising us? That sounds odd to me.

ROB: Sounds like life to me. Reasons to stop, reasons to keep goin’.

I suppose that makes sense. Despite his well-documented obsession with the secrets of the road, Rob seems to have a strangely laissez faire attitude to its internal logic. It’s like the road doesn’t need to make perfect sense to him, or at least he doesn’t expect it to yet.

As the fresh rural air drifts in through the windows, I lose myself in the hypnotic endlessness of the passing fields. I wonder how many eyes have seen these vistas. I wonder where we are, not geographically, but in a grander sense. Are we still in the world as I know it? Are we beyond it? Below it? Or have we just slipped through the cracks, into some intermediate domain?

Rob slows the car down to a crawl, a precaution he takes before most corners. My eyes wander gently back into the Wrangler, finally resting on the rear view.

There’s something behind us. A humanoid figure, shrouded in the soft focus of considerable distance. It staggers quickly toward the convoy, unsure on its own feet.

AS: Rob what is that?

Rob follows my gaze to the rear view mirror. His brow furrows.

ROB: Somethin’ new.

Rob grabs the receiver. Before he can make an announcement, the speaker splutters with static, followed by Eve’s frantic voice.

EVE: Guys there’s something behind us... guys? Something’s coming after us. Bluejay can you see it?

Bluejay doesn’t answer. I doubt she considers it worth her time. A squealing panic rings out over the radio as Eve calls again.

EVE: Is it from Jubilation? Guys? Guys?!

ROB: Stay calm everyone. Let’s pick up the pace a little.

Rob lets his foot rest heavier on the gas. The Wrangler gently accelerates, with the rest of the convoy eagerly matching our speed.

APOLLO: Who is that Rob?

ROB: I ain’t so sure, but we got a turn coming up. Let’s just get ourselves off the road, see if he follows.

The figure continues to stumble towards us. Its arms hang crookedly in the air and, as it comes into sharper focus, I can just make out that there’s something wrong with its face.

EVE: Guys speed up, please. Please.

LILITH: Calm down.

EVE: It’s coming for us!

I can sympathise with Eve’s panic. I’ve had the luxury of travelling at the head of the convoy. I was the first across when that godforsaken pine was dropped across the road. Eve is now second to last, relying on three other cars to make their escape before she can follow. Ace had to wait for the rest of us, and it cost him everything. Now Eve & Lilith are one car closer to being where he was.

EVE: It’s face. Oh my god! Oh my god. Guys please!

BLUEJAY: Jesus, shut up!

APOLLO: Hey that is NOT helping. Rob it’s movin’ pretty fast we-

ROB: We stay the course. It ain’t caught up yet just-

EVE: Oh god. Oh god, oh GOD!

Rob’s warnings are cut short by the screeching of tires. Eve swerves out of the convoy’s neat, single file line, and onto the empty stretch of road beside us. The car accelerates past Bonnie & Clyde. Past Apollo.

I get a brief glimpse of Eve & Lilith as our windows align.

Lilith is yelling at Eve, trying to get her to calm down. Eve is screaming into the air, the puppet of her own frenetic terror. The car shoots past us and down the long road ahead. Rob swears and picks up the radio.

The figure continues to lurch towards us.

ROB: Ferryman to Eve & Lilith. Stop the car right now.

LILITH: Eve slow down!

ROB: Eve goddamnit you’re gonna-

I stare through the windshield as their car stops. Not a slow, grinding deceleration, but an unequivocal, immediate halt. Their bodies are thrown forwards against the safety glass as the car becomes utterly motionless.

AS: Rob what’s happening?

ROB: I told’em to be careful!

AS: Why what’s-

I no longer need an answer. I realise that it’s written right in front of me, etched into the side of the road. A brief gap in the endless rows of golden corn, only a little wider than the Wrangler itself. A dirt track the leads off to the left, about ten metres ahead of us, about fifteen metres behind Lilith & Eve. I now understand why Rob was being so careful, and why Eve should have been as well.

They’ve missed the next turn.

ROB: Ferryman to all cars. I’ve found the turn, let’s make it quick. Eve and Lilith you stay in the car. I’m coming back to get you both.

Rob flicks on his turn signal, preparing the group for the sharp left corner, and slams his foot on the accelerator. Lilith and Eve disappear behind a wall of corn as we pull down the dirt track. Rob keeps driving, until enough space is left for the rest of the group.

Once they’re all safely pulled in, Rob climbs into the back of the car, grabs his rifle and jumps out onto the path. I quickly climb out and follow behind him.

When we arrive on the main road, the figure has covered a considerable distance, finally drawing near enough for me to see what’s wrong with its face. At a certain point, midway across the crown of the head, running in a straight line down past the cheeks and under the jaw, the head simply stops. It’s like the foremost section of his skull has been sliced cleanly off, and has bent inwards, his entire face concave and shrouded completely in a deep shadow. A ghastly, organic hood, that seems deeper than physics should allow.

That isn’t all that’s wrong with the picture however. The man’s outstretched arms are bent in several places. Dark purple contusions blossom at every unnatural joint as if his arms had been broken multiple times. His leg is also bent to one side, the reason for the irregular walk that still carries him towards us.

Rob looks shaken as he raises the rifle to his shoulder, bidding the figure turn around.

The man ignores Rob’s demand, continuing its march. Even when a bullet hits it square in the chest, the figure hardly slows down. We’re forced to jump out of the way as it continues down the road, Eve and Lilith cowering in their locked car as it approaches.

Fear shifts into confusion as the creature passes them by, and continues down the road. It’s as if it doesn’t even know we’re here.

Rob breathes a sigh of relief, lowers the gun, and runs back to the rest of the convoy. The moment he leaves, my mind notes something peculiar. It’s an utterly bizarre observation, especially considering the many otherworldly facets of the retreating creature, there’s something familiar about it. Specifically, its fashion sense.

The shirt, the dirt covered jeans. They aren’t dissimilar to the ones I found in the brown leather duffel bag, resting atop the block of C4.

Reaching into my pocket, pulling out my phone, I scroll through my list of contacts. As the man heaves himself down the road, I call the second number I discovered last night. The one in the Nokia’s received calls list. The number that likely belonged to whoever created the bomb, and whoever was driving the car that day.

After a few moments, a ringtone disrupts the creature’s silent walk. I end the call, realising how reckless I’ve been and praying that the strange figure doesn’t see my action as an excuse to turn around.

I’m lucky, this time at least. The dial tone cuts out, and the figure continues to stumble its way toward the horizon.

The next thing I hear is a scream.

Scanning for its source, I see Eve, her door open and with one foot out of the car. She’s frantically pulling at her leg, seemingly unable to lift it from the tarmac.

AS: Eve what’s going on?

With shaking fingers, Eve clumsily unties her shoelace, and lifts her leg back into the car. Her boot stays in place, and it’s possible to make out a slight elasticity to the road below it, a depression in the tarmac around its base. Slowly, and steadily, the sole of the boot disappears into the road. Eve watches as the dark tarmac slowly sucks the boot down, enveloping the heel and dragging it beneath the surface.

The thought comes to Eve the same moment it does to me. We both fix our eyes on the back of the car, where same, soft indent is gradually developing around the tyres.

Eve’s terrified scream is drowned out by the blare of revving engines. I jump out of the way as the rest of the convoy reverse out of the corner and back onto the main road. Bluejay, Bonnie & Clyde, Apollo and finally Rob, park themselves chaotically around me. Rob jumps out and approaches.

ROB: They ain’t pulled back yet?

As soon as he asks the question, he sees the sight before him. Only the neck of Eve’s boot remains above the ground, sinking ever further into the tarmac. The road gradually but voraciously churns at the car tyres, consuming the rubber, and swallowing the lowest edge of the wheel cover.

In the midst of such an impossible sight, all I can say to Rob is:

AS: They’re trying.

Lilith & Eve hit the gas hard. The engine growls at the road as it furiously attempts to reverse, the undercarriage creaking and groaning from the sheer mechanical strain. The wheels themselves, however, don’t rotate an inch. The tyres belong to the road now, taken by the unknowable forces that continue to drag them into the earth.

The engine chokes, defeated, and I can see Eve screaming into her fists as the roadway calmly continues its work.

ROB: Goddamn it we can’t reach’em. Tell’em to get on top of the car.

APOLLO: What the… What’s happening Rob?

ROB: Bristol! Tell’em to get on the roof!

Rob marches off to the Wrangler. The rest of the convoy gather on the road, just in line with the left turn, where we assume it’s safe to stand. Everyone, saving for Bluejay, looks on in anxious silence.

AS: Eve! Lilith! I need you to get on top of the car ok? Guys?

EVE: We’re sinking! Oh fuck… oh fuck we’re-

AS: Eve! I’m trying to help you. Rob’s working on something, but you need to climb onto the roof of the car. Don’t think about anything else. Open the door, wind down your window and use it as a foothold.

Eve is still deaf with worry. Lilith doesn’t hesitate. She places one hand on the upper rim of her open door, one foot on the base of the open window, and her free hand palm down on the car’s roof. The door rocks on its hinges as she puts her weight on it. In one strong motion, she pushes herself backwards until she’s sitting atop the car.

The tarmac has swallowed its way to the car’s lower chassis. Eve stares, transfixed by the road as it pulls her ever closer towards it.

LILITH: Sarah look at me!

Lilith is crouching on the car’s roof, her hand reaching down to Eve. Her friends voice seems to be the only thing that can break Eve’s fearful commune with the waiting abyss. She turns around, Lilith’s hand a few inches from her face.

LILITH: Get up here.

Her eyes brimming with tears, fought back by rapid, shallow breaths, Eve grabs Lilith’s hand. Lilith gets a solid handhold around the lip of her own doorway and heaves Eve up and onto the roof of the car. Eve shrieks a little as the door swings, putting all her trust into Lilith’s grip.

She joins her friend on the roof just as the road consumes the lower edge of the door, spilling inside the car’s cabin like magma.

ROB: Damnit they’re too far away.

Rob has returned from the Wrangler, rapidly uncoiling a braid of long, light blue climber’s rope. I’d seen it resting in the back of the car during the trip, never once thinking that I’d see it used.

Rob threads one end of the rope through a carabiner and secures it in place with a tight knot. He holds it to his side as he shouts to Lilith & Eve.

ROB: Ok listen, we only got one shot at this. I’m gonna throw you the hook and you’re gonna catch it and yank it taut ok? Then you can hook it onto somethin’ and climb your way over. Don’t let it fall. Ok?

Lilith looks pale. She nods before clambering to her feet, and stepping to the back of the car. Eve watches on, her hands wrapped around her legs.

ROB: Well, here goes nothin’.

Rob begins to swing the rope over his head, a large undulating circle that quickly levels out as the weight of the carabiner eases the rope onto a flat plane. I instinctively shrug down as the rope passes over my head, swinging faster and faster. Gritting his teeth, his face reddening with the towering pressure of this single throw, Rob lets the rope fly. It arcs in the air, like a cast fishing line, towards the Lilith’s outstretched hands.

I watch it pass in front of her, the metal of the carabiner glinting in the sun as it falls.

She catches it, grasping the rope in her shaking hands.

Despite her victory, I see her face contort with sudden and striking panic. She holds the rope high over her head, staring wildly down at the road between us. Following her eyes, my heart falls. She caught the rope, but she didn’t pull it taut fast enough.

Even with Rob continuing to hold his end above his head, the rope had too much slack when it landed in Lilith’s hands. It’s fallen in a sloping arc, the lowest point of which has scraped against the tarmac. It only rests a few precious seconds before Lilith finds herself unable to pull it free. It sinks into the ground. The rope starts to brush gently against Rob’s fingers before he throws it to the ground.

ROB: Goddamnit! Ok… if I just got somethin’ else. Somethin’ we can put down.

AS: The empty jerry cans? They could step on-

ROB: Too unstable, and we’d have to throw them perfect. Ok… ok.

The road has claimed almost half the car now, eating up the licence plate as the vehicle sinks lower and lower. Lilith looks helplessly on as we deliberate, Eve crying her eyes out behind her.

CLYDE: We could get a ground sheet.

ROB: We ain’t got one that’ll stretch.

AS: Well what about-

APOLLO: I’m going out there.

Apollo’s blank statement catches us all by surprise. Turning in his direction, I note a direct and powerful confidence in his manner.

APOLLO: They aren’t gonna last much longer. It takes a second for the road to get you, that’s how they got so far ahead before they stopped. I drive out, they jump onto my car, then we climb back.

ROB: I ain’t got more rope.

APOLLO: You got the winch right? If I drive out with it bunched up on my lap I can make sure it never goes slack. Then I hook it up to my roof bars and we get the hell outta dodge.

ROB: You got the best car for it. But I should drive out there.

APOLLO: You need to work the winch. Bonnie & Clyde can’t climb back.

He skips over his rationale for not choosing Bluejay, not wanting to waste time on a foregone conclusion.

AS: What about me? I’m lighter, the climb back would be easier.

APOLLO: But you can’t help them when they’re jumping over. We’re wasting time you know it’s a good idea.

Rob takes a moment to consider it, his mind fighting for a better solution.

ROB: You’d better get back here Apollo.

APOLLO: Don’t plan on hanging around there Rob.

Apollo grins before sprinting to his Rover. Rob, wasting no time, runs to the winch, switches it to manual, and unspools the heavy duty rope. His hands cross over as he drops each new length onto the ground.

I turn back to Lilith.

AS: Did you hear that Lilith?!

Lilith is huddled next to Eve, attempting to comfort her as the car’s headlights disappear into the depths of the road. Her head snaps round when I call.

LILITH: What’s… what’s happening?

AS: Apollo’s coming out to you. You have to jump onto his car and climb back over ok?

LILITH: … Ok!

She hurries back to Eve, grasping her friend’s shoulders as she relays the plan.

ROB: Ok that’ll hold.

Rob’s climbing down from the hood of the Wrangler. He’s fed the winch cable around and through the lighting rig, ensuring a good level of clearance on the way out and, more importantly, for the climb back. The rope has already been fed through Apollo’s driver’s side window.

Bonnie and Clyde are helping to throw Apollos’ baggage out of the trunk and onto the rode behind him. The less he has to lose on this trip the better.

ROB: All set up over here.

APOLLO: Ok. See you on the other side Rob.

Apollo slams his foot onto the accelerator. The Range Rover bolts forwards, and powers toward the threshold. The engine roars as he rockets past the left turn and keeps on going, into the territory beyond. In the few precious seconds he has, he crosses the distance towards the two terrified girls. The winch rope streams through the window, and then suddenly, pulls tight.

Apollo is thrown forwards as the car comes to an uncompromising stop, roughly a metre’s distance from Lilith & Eve. The impact looks brutal, but Apollo somehow manages to keep a hold on the rope and, inexplicably, his sense of humour.

APOLLO: I don’t think I got the insurance for this.

Clumsily, still feeling the aftereffects of the sudden stop, Apollo throws open his door and starts to climb out.

APOLLO: Take in the slack Rob!

My attention fixed on Apollo, I hear the mechanical whir as the winch kicks into life. As Apollo climbs out of his car and up onto the roof, he affixes the hook at the end of the winch to one of his roof bars, securing it in place. A few moments later, the rope is pulled straight.

Apollo steps down onto the hood of his car, his arms outstretched to the girls. It’s a short jump, but they’ll have to make it from a lower elevation, the trunk of the car already sinking to ground level.

APOLLO: Ok come on I got you, we’ve got to move fast now.

Lilith stands up, helping Eve to her feet before stepping down onto the rapidly disappearing trunk.

LILITH: Ok… ok…

Lilith yelps as he throws herself towards Apollo. Her front foot plants itself on the hood of the car, her other leg flailing in the air behind her. Apollo grabs her by the arms and yanks her onto the car, holding her close to him as she gets her bearing on the smooth metal of the hood. When she’s stable, he lets her crawl up onto the roof, where she immediately looks back to Eve.

APOLLO: See Eve, nothin’ to it. Come on now.

Eve paces back, her hands shaking as she contemplates the jump. Fighting against her screaming instincts, Eve squeals as she steps across the trunk and makes the leap across. The toe of her shoe lifting off the car mere seconds before it descends into the murky, black pitch of the road.

Eve lands short of her destination. One desperate, grasping arm makes contact with Apollo’s as her legs bang and scrape against the Rover’s grill, scrambling for any conceivable purchase. Apollo is wrenched sideways by the force of Eve’s landing, thrown off balance by the unexpected application of her whole weight. In the gut churning moments that follow, Apollo tugs Eve up to his chest and wraps an arm around her, his centre of gravity passing over the edge of the car.

The fall takes a lifetime. Wrapped in each other’s arms, Eve and Apollo tumble forward towards the patient, ravenous ground. In the split second before he leaves the hood of the car, Apollo uses his last inch of footing to push himself into a slow turn. The twist continues as they fall, until Eve is looking to the road, Apollo to the pale blue sky. In one final action, Apollo pushes Eve’s waist, holding her at arms length.

Apollo’s back thuds into the asphalt, his head smacking audibly against it. Dazed and concussed, he manages to hold Eve aloft, keeping everything but her feet from joining him on the hard ground.

APOLLO: Get back up… quickly get back up.

Her face shredded by fear and guilt and sorrow, Eve stares into Apollo’s eyes and whimpers. Collecting herself, she pushes herself off him, ripping out her laces, and leaving a shoe and a sock behind as she clambers back on to the Range Rover. With every movement she whispers a quivering apology.

APOLLO: It’s ok. It’s ok. Go on. It’s ok.

He repeats those two words over and over, until I’m not even sure who he’s talking to. The road elasticates around him, dragging him down into its depths. Eve looks back to him, her face cringing in misery.

Bonnie buries her face in Clyde’s chest, unable to watch the next few moments unfold.

EVE: I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.

APOLLO: It’s… it’s alright. Just get going ok? It doesn’t hurt… it doesn’t hurt, really.

Apollo’s ears sink beneath the road. Entering a new world of perfect silence, Apollo sees the end nearing.

APOLLO: Oh god. Rob! ROB!!

I won’t play his final moments, for your benefit and, ultimately, for his. Before he sinks into the road, Apollo asks for Rob to talk to his family. He wants Rob to tell them that he loves them. Rob nods, knowing that Apollo won’t be able to hear his response.

After a few cries of panicked despair, Apollo’s eyes and mouth are enveloped by the road. His screams are drowned by the thick, churning asphalt.

Eve watches the rest of his body sink, while Lilith tugs at her sleeve, pulling her towards the roof.

LILITH: Come on we’ve got to go. Sarah we’ve got to go!

EVE: I’m sorry.

Whispering one last heartfelt apology to the air itself, Eve steps up with Lilith and stares at the cable.

AS: Ok guys just let yourself down until you’re hanging from the rope and work your way across.

LILITH: I got it! You ready?

Eve looks to her friend.

EVE: I… I don’t…

LILITH: Just watch me ok? Follow right behind me.

The Range Rover’s wheels have now disappeared. With every passing second, the cable’s clearance diminishes, and the angle between the roof bar and the Wrangler’s lighting rig becomes steeper. They need to start moving now or not at all.

Eve looks across the length of the rope. I can feel her mind kicking back at the prospect.

EVE: I can’t.

LILITH: Sarah… we fucking have to ok? Follow behind me.

Lilith wraps her arms around Eve, hugging her stiff, shivering frame, before letting go and crouching down to the rope, slowly working her way under it. Her hands clenching the cable, her legs wrapped securely around it, Lilith starts to pull herself along the rope, shifting her feet up every few seconds behind her. She fixes her eyes on me as she drags herself to the halfway mark.

LILITH: Is she following?!

The asphalt swallows the Range Rover’s lower chassis. Eve hasn’t moved a muscle. The stretch of black tarmac might as well be a bottomless ravine, the Grand Canyon. The idea of hanging herself over it mortifies her.

AS: Sarah! Sarah it’s not as bad as it looks, please! Please come on.

Lilith crosses the threshold. Her knuckles are white as she continues to cling to the rope. Rob marches up to her and helps her down into his arms, coaxing her hands free by telling her that she’s safe.

As soon as her feet hit the ground again, they give way beneath her, and Lilith sinks to the ground crying out.

LILITH: Sarah! Come on please!!

EVE: I can’t! I can’t… I…

LILITH: Please Sarah… I need you here.

Her shallow breaths quaking with anxiety, Eve slowly crouches down and grips the rope. Slowly but surely, as the asphalt consumes the car’s licence plate less than a metre below her, Eve lowers herself down and, with clumsy desperation, drags herself along the rope.

She’s left it late. Her back hangs mere inches from the hungry ground as she shuffles unevenly towards us, lifting her feet and scraping them up the rope, her arms straining to stay locked.

EVE: I’m not going to make it!

LILITH: You are! Keep going!

The Range Rover’s window is now disappearing, inside the dashboard has been submerged. With every yard that Eve manages to climb, the lowering rope ensures she stays close to the ground, even over the final few feet.

My heart breaks the moment her foot slips.

It happens almost too quickly to register. As Eve erratically shuffles her feet along the rope, her bare left foot gives way, swinging underneath her and kicking down onto the ground. Eve tries to raise it in time before discovering that she can’t.

LILITH: No… no no no please.

Thrown entirely off balance, Eve tries to pull herself up. However, with her lower leg seeping into the dark tar, her position can’t be maintained. She falls, her body twisting, as she falls onto the road.

Lilith releases a terrible shrieking cry. Eve whimpers as the side of her head rests against the tarmac, her cheek already subsumed.

EVE: I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

LILITH: No. No. Please don’t be sorry.

EVE: I.. love you. I love y… you Jen.

LILITH: I love you too… I’m sorry I didn’t… I’m so sorry.

Eve tries to reply, but half of her mouth is sealed shut, encased in the creeping asphalt. Her short breaths finally melt into one long inhalation, as her nose and mouth are sunk entirely.

One remaining eye takes a final, fleeting look at Lilith, before vanishing.

I look away from what is still to sink. The important things are already gone.

Lilith collapses on her knees, a screaming of torrent of grief expelled from her burning lungs. Rob is completely immobile, likely searching for something practical in which to bury himself. Bonnie & Clyde simply look lost, as they turn their backs on the sinking Range Rover.

Bluejay’s reaction surprises me. She stares into the tarmac, the smirk ripped from her face, replaced by a familiar look of shellshock. She repeatedly mutters something under her breath, something that sounds like:

“It’s not real… It’s not real.”

We stand in silence for what seems like an age, accompanied by the breeze and Lilith’s gradually waning laments. After she’s exorcised the immediate torment, her screaming descends into a deathly stillness.

Rob makes the first step to approach her.

ROB: I… I can take you back home if you want to-

LILITH: No... No.

Lilith wipes her eyes, as tears continue to fall freely down her cheeks. When she turns around, she looks enraged.

LILITH: No. I’m still going. I’m going to get to the end.

ROB: You know I can’t tell you when that’ll be.

Lilith stands up and glares at Rob, then looks over to Bonnie & Clyde.

LILITH: Are you guys still going? Do you have a seat free?

The siblings look to one another. Bonnie nods.

CLYDE: You got a place with us if you want it.

LILITH: Is the door unlocked?

CLYDE: Uhh yeah.

LILITH: Then what the fuck are we waiting around for?

Lilith marches to Clyde’s Ford and climbs into the back seat. She waits for us impatiently to finish up.

ROB: Anyone else want to turn around?

Rob looks to me and Bluejay. Bluejay sends a look of deep scorn his way before marching off to her own car.

ROB: Bristol?

The Range Rover has finally sunk. The road has settled back into a hard, permanent surface. It isn’t like Rob to offer me a ride home, and I feel overwhelmingly like I should take him up on it. But there are too many questions unanswered, too many unchallenged mysteries weaved into the fabric of this journey. Going back now wouldn’t be a return, it would be a retreat.

AS: I’m still going.

A few minutes later, the three remaining cars roll down the dirt track. Leaving another incomprehensible atrocity behind us. There’s a part of me that can’t believe I’m still continuing down this road, a greater part of me is astonished that no one took the opportunity to turn back.

As Rob carries me on to the next turn, and the one after that, I realise we all have our reasons. I’d become obsessed with chasing the truth, as had Bluejay in her way. Bonnie had her own, unsettling motives for carrying on, and Clyde wasn’t about to abandon her. Lilith had directed her smouldering anger and grief toward the road itself, seeking deliverance at its end. And Rob? As far as he’s concerned, there’s only one direction to go.

Still, when I think of the sorrows that have already befallen us, and the potential for unspeakable ruin that lies ahead, I realise that no one in their right mind would continue down this road.

I suppose no one is.

#reddit #nosleep #scary #story

[ragsandmuffins]

Musical Theatre Themed Ask

Okay, I’m gonna answer... all of these! (Because I have a paper to write and zero motivation. And also: musicals.)

Oh, and by the way, I’m going to assume that every “Broadway” is a “Broadway/West End” because Tumblr is a free platform.

1. What was the first musical you saw?

Mary Poppins, West End, 2006 (not 100% sure about the year)

2. What musical got you really  into theatre?

Les Misérables - saw the film, started stalking the actors, you know how it goes.

3. Who was your first Broadway crush?

Aaron Tveit (he’s the main one) and Samantha Barks - like I said, stalking the Les Mis actors...

4. Name three of your current Broadway crushes.

Um... still Aaron Tveit? Plus Rob Houchen (Les Mis London) and Cleve September (In the Heights London and soon Hamilton London) - Also, I get “talent crushes” not physical attraction crushes.

5. Name four of your dream roles.

Only 4? Natalie Goodman, Enjolras, Maureen Johnson, and HERCULES MULLIGAN!!

(I can’t sing, act, or dance, nor am I a man, so...)

6. Favourite off-broadway show:

Heathers and The Last Five Years

7. Favourite cast recording.

Gotta be Hamilton, it’s just such a well-produced album. Bonus points for including nearly the entire show.

8. 2013 Tony opening number or 2016 Tony opening number?

2012? The Book of Mormon thing is just pure gold!

9. Favourite show currently on Broadway.

Broadway: I guess Hamilton - There are way too few that I actually know.

West End: Les Misérables forever!

10. A musical that closed and you’re still bitter about. Rant a bit.

In the Heights London! Though I can’t really complain, they extended their initially run several times and now they’ve cast my amazing Sonny as Laurens/Philip, so... But it was just so good!!

11. Best stage to screen adaptation?

Les Misérables. Controversial, I know, but I usually kind of hate movie musicals. With this one they did something new and different and I think it works. The Last Five Years is pretty good too, though it lost a lot in the adaptation (couldn’t be avoided).

12. Worst  stage to screen adaptation?

Rent. I’m sorry, I love the show, I love the cast, but it all feels so staged and wrong and meh. Also, they cut Goodbye Love and left in fucking Santa Fé which adds exactly nothing to the plot!!

13. Favourite #ham4ham?

Gotta be the Schuyler Georges, but there have been so many great ones...

14. A musical you would love to see produced by Deaf West?

Oh, tricky... Maybe Next to Normal? That has a lot to do with people holding things in and failing to see each others’ struggles.

15. If you could revive any musical, which one would it be and who would you cast in it?

Not exactly a revival, but bring Next to Normal to the West End already! That show’s got a sodding Pulitzer. And London’s only a 2 hour flight away from where I live, not a transatlantic one, so I might actually be able to go see it.

Oh, and give Spring Awakening another chance, West End. Maybe adapt some American Sign Language into British Sign Language and...?

Also, maybe revive Rent, Broadway? (And cast Aaron Tveit as Roger... please?)

16. If you could go to a concert at the 54 below, who’s would it be?

That list would be waaaaaayyy too long...

17. Do you watch broadway.com vlogs? Which one is your favourite?

I’ve seen a few, but I don’t really watch them on a regular basis, so no favourites...

18. Make a Broadway related confession.

I really, really hate South Pacific. It was part of our American drama syllabus, as an example of a musical. Quite apart from the fact that I think it’s a godawful, sort of racist and sexist show (it’s from the 40s, go figure), it displays LITERALLY EVERY cliché about musicals!

19. What do musicals mean to you?

Hard to say... Apart from hours and hours of ALL the emotions, some awesome internet buddies (looking at you, @frei-und-schwerelos), I’ve got generally more interested in and knowledgable about theatre, which is a great asset when you study English. Musicals have also introduced me to a wide range of music I wouldn’t normally listen to and so many talented people I wouldn’t have known about otherwise...

20. Express some love for understudies and swings!

Okay here goes: I went to see the West End production of Memphis because of Killian Donnelly and then he unexpectedly wasn’t on that night - bummer. But then Jon Robyns just knocked it out of the part (and I only ever listened to Avenue Q and Spamalot because I watched clips of him when he was in those shows).

My first Thénardier was Adam Pearce and his version of “It was me wot told you so...” is the funniest one I’ve ever heard (he kind of went “No? Sorry, fair enough.”).

The second time I saw the show Adam Bayjou was Valjean and his Bring Him Home was one of the best I’ve ever heard (effortless high notes).

Also, Charlotte Kennedy was Cosette that time (she’s principal Cosette now) and her performance was so incredibly sweet! (She also brought some brunette power into the sea of blond that were Marius and Éponine.)

And Jordan Lee Davies was Bamatabois both times and he was great!

Oh, and my Christine from Phantom was the wonderful Lisa-Anne Wood.

21. Best Disney musical:

Mary Poppins - My first ever musical, fond memories, I still wear the Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious shirt my dad bought me (11 years ago... didn’t fit then, fits now).

22. Which Disney movie should be made into a musical?

Uh, I don’t know. Tangled’s funny...

23. Which musical fandom has the funniest memes?

Hamilton and Les Mis. I mean, the Les Mis/Mean Girls crossovers alone...

24. Name a character from a musical you would sort into your Hogwarts house.

Well, the test sorted me into Hufflepuff (great house), but I know that I am a Ravenclaw (and, as we know, the hat listens to you). Okay, Ravenclaw... maybe Melchior from Spring Awakening?

25. Name a Broadway star you would sort into your Hogwarts house.

Ugh, that’s even harder! Sorry, no clue.

26. Best on stage chemistry?

Hmm from what I’ve seen live, Rob Houchen and Carrie Hope Fletcher were pretty darn amazing together.

From what I haven’t seen live, Jennifer Damiano and Adam Chanler-Berat, and Justin Johnston and Michael McElroy seemed fantastic.

27. A Broadway duo you love.

I’m gonna say Jonathan Groff and Lin-Manuel Miranda, but I’m not sure I understand the question...

28. What book, tv show, movie, biography, video game, etc. should be turned into a musical?

Umm... I don’t know. Supernatural sort of is a musical... A Lord of the Rings musical in the style of A Very Potter Musical might be fun. The Fellowship of the Sing? I’ll show myself out.

29. If you could make a jukebox musical, what artist or genre would you pick?

I doubt many people know her but: Vienna Teng. For three reasons (aside from me liking her songs): 1. Her songs tell stories. 2. She often writes from the perspective of “characters.” 3. Her songs are actual poetry!

30. Favourite role played by _________________?

I don’t get it. What am I supposed to put here?

31. What musical has made you cry the most?

I don’t actually cry often at musicals (internally I do), but It’s Quiet Uptown from Hamilton got me bad the first time. And I once listened to Next to Normal when I was already feeling like shit - bad idea! (Don’t listen to There’s a World when you kind of want there to not be a world, kids...)

32. What musical has made you laugh the most?

Probably Avenue Q and Something Rotten

33. Current showtune stuck in you head:

Well, you just put Hard to Be the Bard in my head!

34. A musical that has left you thinking about life for a long time or deeply inspired you.

Les Misérables... I haven’t spent a single week without thinking about that show (or, indeed, the book) since early 2013.

Next to Normal also gave me a lot to think about.

I keep discovering new little bits of genius in Hamilton lyrics. Also, I’m writing a paper on the early US for the second time in under a year and characters from Hamilton (otherwise know as historical figures) keep popping up. Seriously, I’m writing about the Whiskey Rebellion and every time I read Hamilton’s name my brain goes PAY YOUR FUCKING TAXES!

I’ve also thought quite a bit about Heathers and The Last Five Years, because both of them have had productions where they genderbended (genderbent?) a main character, which made me think about how it changes the story and why.

35. If you could perform any ensemble number , which one would you pick?

“If you could...” Are you implying that I don’t?! Come on, any theatre geek who claims never to have done a solo rendition of One Day More is definitely lying! Oh, and I rapped myself all the way through One Shot the other day and made only one mistake - one that Lin’s made before, so I’m proud!

36. Name a musical you didn’t like at first but ended up loving.

I don’t think that’s really happened... There have been shows where I thought “What in the holy hell is this?!” and ended up loving it. I mean, what in the holy hell is Avenue Q?!

37. What are some costumes you’d love to try on?

Give me that red vest! Also, let me play Enjolras! Yes, I know I’m a woman and can only hit that low “foooorm” when I’ve got a really bad cold, but fuck all that!

I’d also really like to try on Elphaba’s Act II dress, because it’s epic!

38. Favourite dance break.

Hmmm... I don’t really have one? The one in Cool and the ballet in Somewhere where they sort of replay what’s happened are pretty amazing (both West Side Story).

39. Favourite Starkid musical:

A Very Potter Musical is the only one I know... Sorry...

40. What’s a musical more people should know about?

Well, where I live, most people have heard of Cats, Phantom, and Mamma Mia and that’s about it.

But in general, I’ve never met anyone who’s even heard of Assassins (although many people who have met me have now heard everything about Assassins - I’m that kind of person).

41. What are some lines from musicals you really like?

Okay, this is gonna take a while...

"Can you remind me of what it was like at the top of the world?” (In the Heights)

“Oh, my friends, my friends, don’t ask me what your sacrifice was for.” (Les Misérables - internal Niagara Falls!)

“Here, put some hail into the chief.” (Assassins)

“But the sky’s gonna hurt when it falls. So you’d better start building some walls.” (Heathers)

“I’m not mad that you got mad when I got mad when you said I should go drop dead!” (Tick, Tick... Boom!)

“My God, in God we trust, but we never really know what God discussed.” (Hamilton)

“What doesn’t kill me doesn’t kill me.” (Next to Normal)

And just for fun: “Honest living, honest living, honest living, honest living,...” (Rent)

42. Name a Tony performance you rewatch and rewatch.

In the Heights, Next to Normal, Hamilton, and Spring Awakening (both versions).

#well that was fun #i'm procrastinating #theatre geek #musicals #just musical things #musical theatre

[tyleroakley-obsessed]

Ed. Note: Wesley is back with another roundup of live music and pithy thoughts for this month’s bands in town. I get suggestions for blog posts about “live music events in Memphis”, so I wanted to say: we throw this party every month! It’s 2020, people, look alive. Got a show to suggest for a future “Listen Up” guide to live music in Memphis? Just email me at [email protected] with the subject line “Listen Up”.  JANUARY 3 The PRVLG w/ Mobius Pieces at Growlers Doors at 9 p.m., all ages, $10 Twin musicians Christian and Chris Underwood are The PRVLG (pronounced “privilege”), and evidence you that all you need to dance is a rhythm section. Their blend of pop melodies and funky discipline have been entertaining Memphians for years, and they probably won’t stop anytime soon, thankfully. Check out their single “Lead Role” above. JANUARY 9 World Soul Project in The Green Room Doors at 7 p.m., all ages, $10 It’s actually a bit refreshing to be able to judge a band by its name. You see “World Soul Project” and you know exactly what you’re going to get. If you like D’Angelo, or Jill Scott, or The Roots, or any other neo soul band or artist from that era, this is all you. This is a very Green Room show. JANUARY 18 Booker T. Jones at Crosstown Theater Doors at 7 p.m., all ages, $60 Booker T. Jones Don’t let the ticket cost scare you off—you’re paying to see a legend in the flesh and hear “Green Onions” played by the guy who actually did it and not a weekend warrior cover band at Huey’s for once. Can a guy just eat his West Coast Burger in peace? I’m not bitter! JANUARY 18 Wale at Minglewood Hall Doors at 8 p.m., all ages, $22+ In a hip-hop era of very high highs and embarrassingly low lows, it’s good to have that reliable someone in the middle you can count on to make you go, “That song was okay.” Wale’s like that person on your favorite cooking competition show who’s just good enough to outlast all the really incompetent people but ends up winning because everyone else just failed so miserably. Also, he was featured on our very own Juicy J’s 2013 single “Bounce It”, which is a masterpiece.  JANUARY 18 BLACK FLAG w/ The Linecutters at Growlers Doors at 7 p.m., all ages, $25 Black Flag, photo by Rob Wallace Holly, jumping in for this one: In an old interview with Chris from the Flyer, former Antenna owner Steve McGehee said that he believed “we had the devil himself in here the first night Black Flag played” at the famed midtown punk club in the 80s. Will Satan be back for the revived punk band’s return to Memphis? You’ll have to see for yourself at their Saturday night show at Growlers, a venue with its own history of reanimation. JANUARY 19 Life, Explicit w/ Magnum Dopus at Growlers Doors at 7 p.m., all ages, $5 We’re leaning pretty heavy into soul this month, with another local soul group taking the stage at Growlers. Life, Explicit is a group of Memphis studio musicians who have come together to create some real joyous material. They also serve as Memphis rapper Tyke T’s backing band, who you can read more about here on I Love Memphis! JANUARY 21 Towards Space w/ Alicja-Pop, Opossums at Lamplighter Lounge 8 p.m., price unlisted on the event but bring like $10 just to be sure. If you haven’t been to a show at the Lamplighter’s new second room, it’s a good time to fix that. You can check out this garage rock trio from Richmond, VA called Toward Space, who wrote this song “La Luna” which is pretty cool, and who also apparently like to get naked during shows. I personally don’t believe that paying to see a show is consenting to be subjected to nudity unless nudity is an explicit expectation of the event, but y’all do you. Anyway, they’re playing with Alicja-Pop, the solo project of prolific Memphis musician Alicja Trout, and Opossums, the Memphis-by-Mississippi trio compounding on our city’s deep power pop legacy. JANUARY 23 Hawthorne Heights w/ Emery, Bad Luck., Vagrants at Growlers Doors at 6 p.m., all ages, $20 advance, $25 day of show Hawthorne Heights AND Emery? This is like a early-aughts post-hardcore kid’s dream lineup! Get in loser, we’re going screaming.  JANUARY 27 Louise Page / Shadow Year / Model Zero at the Hi-Tone Doors at 8 p.m., $8 I’m a sucker for an understated, driving bassline, so the NYC-based Shadow Year’s “Joel Tudor” hits me where I live. Good stuff. You may be familiar with Louise Page as she’s come up in several Listen Up lists and plays fairly regularly, but you may not be familiar with Model Zero. They’re a Memphis-based garage/punk band which recently signed with Slovenly Recordings out of Nevada that rips it to shreds live. JANUARY 31 Tool at FedExForum 7:30 p.m., $36.50+ Lock up your daughters—the Tool fans are coming to town! Punchlines aside, Tool is a band that makes hilariously overwrought music that, once you learn to stop taking it and yourself so seriously, actually has a lot to offer. But then you remember that frontman James Maynard Keenan is a tool himself and you’re back to square one.  About The Author Wesley Morgan Paraham is a Memphis native, a University of Memphis graduate, freelance writer and PR professional who spends most of his free time in his Midtown apartment playing video games with his partner. Are you a home owner in Memphis, with a broken garage door? Call ASAP garage door today at 901-461-0385 or checkout https://ift.tt/1B5z3Pc

https://ilovememphisblog.com/2020/01/listen-up-10-live-music-shows-in-memphis-this-month-january-2020/

#I Love Memphis

[thoughtfulcupcakesublime]

Healthcare, transportation and raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour were the main topics discussed at a Woodbridge event.

Local representatives spoke about the 2020 Legislative Session at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast.

The annual program was hosted at Old Hickory Golf Club, 11921 Chanceford Drive in Woodbridge, on Thursday morning.

Delegate-Elect Dan Helmer, and Delegates Elizabeth Guzman, Danica Roem, and Luke Torian were the panelists.

Here is a video of the event:

  This is the transcription of the video, which was done with 80 percent accuracy:

Guzman: [inaudible]

Roem: your preferred option. So let’s talk about funding for this. Number one, the one really wants introduced HB 2085 that we will get done this time around. [inaudible] store the loss in NBTA money. Don’t shift their way because tan Homer’s predecessors trued up over and say that will never happen again. You won’t never ever, ever allow something like that. Something that’s so poorly mismanaged. It can happen again into this Commonwealth where we’ve lost our ability to do hybrid over in Centerville because of this and this. And I’m going to make sure that we pass one of the largest [inaudible] secondary and by learning not interstate highway improvements specifically around intersection designs to make them safer for everyone no matter where.

Speaker 3: Absolutely. So I would start first,

Guzman: I would read it with me. See if I recognize your new [inaudible] Adam [inaudible] very own class though. So congratulations. I haven’t had that living to tell you that and I’m so proud. I’m sure. Lose it. Break on snow and I didn’t cross her face faces. So I was go back to playing 17 after I won my first election and I actually met with the IPC and I am a cosponsor of the [inaudible]. So you that first year, the money that we are using now for all of the expunction that director was talking about Aaron and Eric, some of their horrible comms. I’m glad to hear that there is no email city and if that Eastern side of the County, if they think that we could do that funding as well. We talked to the chairman right here so I’m sure he’ll be a more than that so probably not.

Guzman: That was something she saw because I have these things happen in my DC and I represent our football kit, Prince William County and I dealt, I know that our sample is working veto where we actually get rid of that Hans. So promptly unite, going nuts on her mind. Kids by [inaudible] area there we are working to get up because by back then there was some elementary school, we have a load of accidents and that happened so we mentally beat up [inaudible] and it’s so science and it speaks to being in science. Why are we getting up? We have a study that was last many years ago on the route one corridor or hit slash about every soul of that is sadly what a CPA, a box is robbing from formation system and I’m going to want to cover unfortunately that is Sadie edit and wounds. So we want to do Rick date. That conversation. I’d be able to look at more different types of transportation. They eat a fast rapid transit that will go know something but actually go to [inaudible] and with that you know that that’s a whole nother topic. Number nine number goal, but we are all on board to bring more [inaudible].

Guzman: We shouldn’t be proud, obedient, worst bottleneck in this country. I think that we [inaudible] to take that out. For instance,

Torian: good morning. I take a different perspective. I’ve seen legislation to forward and uh, [inaudible] obviously work [inaudible] what we’re going to see enrich enrichment this year we’re going to say and we’ll take those meals and we will for our daughters the number one issue in order to address transportation issues and restructured and other issues will be the levels of funding legislation, [inaudible] transportation and prioritize and assign dollars to the various cities. Obviously we’re going to be looking very closely at North Virginia and the challenges that we have. We’ll have a big, big task before us because we don’t have 100 members in a corporation and we will do our best that we can. Hopefully we will get on Metro as well for 10 years. We have the numbers now that we can at least get a study now.

Helmer: I’m so excited to be here with you guys. I’m Dan the delegate elect and uh, excited to be here. [inaudible] we also one of the few folks who runs a small business fire that getting involved in elected politics. I advise fortune companies and go South Boston consulting group in these days. I have three partners. We run a 35 person firm that works in five States right now advising a small and medium size businesses in the U S so when I come to and say I’m very interested in working with businesses in Prince William County, I come from that, from a position of a person who is deeply interested in both a large couple of us, somebody who does it every day. Um, you know, when I think about transportation here, uh, you know, I do think it’s time that we stop thinking small and starting to thinking big. Uh, the reality is that our lack of great infrastructure in multimodal transportation and gets us more quickly or places of business is, uh, the attacks on us as businesses. It drives up the cost and the difficulty in attracting great talent to our businesses. It also keeps us away from our families. And so, uh, it is going to take a new era of thinking. We made a first step revive electing a pro transportation majority is going to prioritize funding multimodal transportation. Uh, our next step is to think regional, uh, to make sure that we’re thinking about all of the impacts to provide you with creative thinking that new things like Artize teleworking, incentivize, uh, working, uh, incentivize, uh, transportation other than with your car. Uh, that doesn’t make that every single time you expand a road, you’re going to get less traffic because there’s a lot of data that shows that’s not the case. And so it’s time for us to look at the water [inaudible] solutions to look across the region and to be aggressive about how we think about funding and how that reduces our carbon footprint and increase new businesses that help us take both about transportation and energy diversification and create that kind of thing.

Speaker 3: Well, as the house appropriations committee, and congratulations

Torian: [inaudible]

Speaker 3: we understand that Senator Sasse was already in the new Senate bill seven, a piece of legislation now incrementally increase the minimum way to review from sentence 25 to $15 over the course of five years. What is your position on increasing the minimum wage? Is this a bill you have support? Should it crossover? And if so, how would you address the financial burden these doing? So may place on the back of small businesses, which are the life blood work,

Torian: [inaudible] progressive, not all at one time because they could not afford, we cannot afford the hurt our small business. But when you have a minimum wage has been at seven 25 for a number of years, for a long time. There has to be something that has to be done. And I think that, uh, I’ll take a look at the [inaudible]. It makes sense to me and I’ll support it. We need to know that you have a problem with minimal waste needs to be addressed, but not on the backs of hurting small businesses. We have been very strategic and we’re going to do this thing. We have to be very

Guzman: great. All the stakeholders, the room. So I would start, uh, like looking in the goal of Regina. What is that? If you can shut off a small business, I want to put a goal number. Diaz small business is still kind of under 50 employees. So I would like to start changing that because I think that all of these benefits and advantages that are out there for small businesses, I never been thinking of dynasty. He goes, we caught the cheap stuff. Now everybody [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] myself. It was probably three jobs to make ends meet. I definitely have to change because that was the soul of this is a children are suffering [inaudible] at home. I don’t have many of those in my district. It breaks my heart when I knock on books on the weekend and I see these children by themselves and I asked him to leave mom and dad are they?

Guzman: I won’t work so that tells me that we to change. Now we, I’m sure many of you, because I have spoken with many of you, I know why you use no faith, but you said a lot of somebody by says, we know it’s only past we’ll find a way to make a rice and I had a record, a Senator, sexist fields. Oh we definitely did. I will set kind of work dedicated. Gloria said, Oh, we will definitely have some checked it and cost compliant. I bought wait, who continues a nights of routines? We are going to say from wealthiest to safety that country. So we have to take care of our workforce as well. And I am saying that that Google [inaudible] we what you are talking about John Burbidge. So because if my employee is treated well, they wouldn’t say we drove out of station. So the time we’ll take a look at things nor how things are going to be earth. Uh, but actually [inaudible] thank you

Roem: just by a show of hands console here. It’s only if they go with the minimum wages in West Virginia.

Guzman: Okay.

Roem: Dollars and 35 cents an hour. We are at seven 25 the federal minimum in Virginia. Can someone here in this room completes? Tell me what part was by God. Virginia has a higher cost of living than anywhere in new Orleans opinion. How was that Constable that we’ve allowed this to happen? It’s not. The fact of the matter is we have to get this done and here’s a reality check as well. When I had my first job working right down the street or with your nursing for the total cans. At the time I was making $5 and 15 cents an hour for a 15 year old working in the year 2000 when I transitioned and I found myself one for 35 of my job search and like the thirties I took a side job for $5 an hour plus tip and this isn’t 2016 $5 an hour plus to delineate the bobs or three in Orleans and every person I worked with was an adult and the thing is a lot of those folks had an, it’s like Elizabeth.

Roem: It is why you will leave important that we are truly going to take care of our minority majority community here in Prince William County and throughout Northern Virginia that we give our current constituents the full benefits of society here. Why do I have the same time? We recognize that the fallacy because the minimum wage only somehow pay to teenagers coming up is wall. It’s not based on any bed exact whatsoever and instantly not based on the living experience I’ve had at age 32 and I’ve had that job right before I decided to run for office. Let’s just make sure that as we’re doing this, yes, you can do this incremental, you know, we don’t have immediate shock through the system overnight. At the same time, let’s make sure that when we’re posting about how Virginia is the best state for business, that we stopped being the third of the 51st state slash city Z for workers. We should also be the best state for workers as well and frankly if they’re going to be the best. Safety for business has to be the best day for your workers you want to speak to in the first place.

Helmer: Exactly. I agree with my colleagues. Look, we majority say the predicted devastating consequences of a $15 minimum wage that we through fear, mom ran out. I’m going again, I have not worn fruit in the places that have instituted $50 at a $15 minimum wage is $30,000 a year in salary. I would argue that that still put somebody in significant risk of [inaudible] red state. We operate in order Virginia. Um, and so if who are we talking about earning $50 minimum wage. You were talking about a woman I spoke to on the doors as I was running for office who was working in a preschool and had to take on multiple jobs as to someone who was taking care of our children who justice and our home had to take on multiple jobs because she was getting paid $9 an hour. We’re talking about a huge majority of our veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan after they leave the military.

Helmer: So by saying no, by being in transit, in transit, I guess raising the minimum wage, you’re condemning those who served in our country to live in poverty after they return from their service to our country. So it is incredibly important that we get to a $50 in wage should we index a current version. And we are responsible in our approach to ensure that we don’t impact businesses both small and large in ways that devastated our economy. But I am excited to work with a chamber of commerce that takes a new approach to thinking about the upsides of getting to a $15 minimum wage, the economic growth that we can spur a 50 element in wage and not just about potential downsides of having foreign fruit in places where we can Institute, et cetera.

Guzman: [inaudible] has some questions for you all. Basically we’ll go into the next question. You’re going to sell much advocate for [inaudible] and addressing the rising costs of healthcare. Many have called for the creation of multiple employer welfare racists or consortium health fans to see an access and healthcare benefits for small businesses similar to the larger counterparts. Banks and private universities are examples of these consortions. What’s your opinion on sexual dysfunction? I can find ways though. It’s anybody. Some people providing or a benefits. There’s a couple of things on the stuff you know about Gail care. We actually want to recognize entirely organize them. A third Nuffield care uncle. I thought that once I joins and brains that says what it was an excellent experience for us. Jesse learner. What does it experience like when they, I mean, um, ran? Uh, there are some numbers that may be shocking for many of us [inaudible] and we see that actually women of color are the ones who are dying while they are. So we definitely do want to work together to address those needs. I have multiple views that are on finally stage yet. It’s not a volume of my method of care, but I’m definitely seeing some more or finding those resources to help easy [inaudible] of the benefits that are out there. Okay.

Roem: So the number one both get Murray that I have right now, 13 is making sure that all 3,800 my constituents who are eligible for Medicaid expansion are enrolled. And I can tell you right now that the latest data that’s come in as of November 15th shows that we have now enrolled more than 343,000 Virginians who are uninsured or under insured last year who now have quality affordable healthcare this year. And we’ve got it done in less than a year since the moment you can when January 1st in. The reality that goes along with that is that this is going to be open for 400,000 Virginians. That means that we’ve still got more, some more, we still have thousands people in the greater Prince. William area is still eligible. We’ve now enrolled just under 13,000 people in Prince William County and when I’m looking at a little sane city like Vanessa’s, Mark 491 people, that is a really, really big deal by Austin.

Roem: No, we’ve got another 800 salon folks who live in Manassas park. We’re still eligible and so that’s going to be my top healthcare priorities. Making sure that my chief of staff or is also myself, the robust constituent service that we’ve had to make sure that we’re going to roll into our eligibility positions in the first place. While at the same time I’ll make sure that you know, the folks who are coming in dollars and the appropriations committee or who are setting the, you know, [inaudible] wants this case, are going to be the ones who basically have the potential to either help with small businesses in terms of, you know, expanding their ability to fully insure their employees. Or at the same time figuring out what sort of pools and small businesses salt into that at the same time don’t undermine the affordable care act because that’s one of the big things that happened in [inaudible] is we’ve seen a lot of legislation about healthcare that seems designed to be nice. And then what we really find out about it is it’s meant to pull lady [inaudible] all the way people to keep premiums down within our exchange. So it’s wildly, wildly important that we have a good balance between making sure that you can take care of your employees in the same time that would keep the ACA [inaudible].

Roem: So this is one of my partners [inaudible] I believe strongly that every single Virginian should have access to quality, affordable healthcare and pay 90% of the gradings, which is the maximum wall every single one of our employees as any of you who run businesses here, overhead business meetings after too many cases right now reaching 50% of our operators, 50% of of the salary increase time, so I am very much concerned about the cost of healthcare now when it comes to healthcare plans, we allowing multiple businesses to group together in order to purchase insurance on its face. It makes sense. Traditionally the way we’ve approached drive out costs is by allowing insurers to removing the things that we come to cover elsewhere from these plans and drive down costs. If we can make sure that the coverage within these plans is as robust as covered with the plans. I think there’s a lot that can be down there. And I think collectively we do need to take a approach as a business community that demands that we look at the cost side of healthcare, how healthcare being marketed,

Torian: what joins companies are doing to drive premiums, the amount of profit that you can know, what did you do with non healthcare expenses? We should have a room. Any instead of that health insurance companies had to control costs. The way they maintain the profits today is by expanding the cost of healthcare safe and healthy profit margin stays the same. The amount of profit they’re making is larger. There’s lots of players in the healthcare marketplace that are elected. We work together to drive up costs, each of which is active rationally within that marketplace. Uh, but we need to fundamentally change our approach to that market place. And I’m looking forward to working with the business community, whether it’s group health plans, whether it’s banding together and other approaches. So long as we may take robust coverage for workers and employees, we can work together to drive down costs. You found gains on looking forward.

Torian: So the elephant in the room comes to health care is the recognize that I have no system in this four o’clock and you tell the truth and since healthcare is a for profit entity, we’re going to always have this long or eight years, eight years in the house we tried to pass a Medicaid expansion. 400,000 Virginians could have access to health care. The balloon side of it changed and the bills passed. Let me tell you why I was packs because of the politics. When our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, the numbers we want to change, they came back with intent passed Medicaid expense. That was the only reason they didn’t come back. We didn’t come back and drive down costs because when you drive down cost, it’s take benefits away. Look at your own healthcare, how much you paid. We are privileged stuff because we are on the state plan. We were not on the state plan. It would be costing us several hundred dollars a month.

Torian: You didn’t say for profit entity and until we change that, we’re not going to do it. Any of us any good favors at all and I just, I am so disturbed by them because they’re equal who cannot afford healthcare and they will not go to the hospital because they cannot afford and if we really want to be bold, we really must have breast and be very truthful about it. Someone made a $25,000 a year can not afford health and as long as this is a full rock if we’re going to have a serious problem. Thank you. The

Speaker 3: affordable care act, the research that we have right from the business community is that the plans are not in direct competition into the marketplace.

Torian: The ACA, what is disturbance with these candidates on the national level, they want to come up with all these new plans and so many years since to get the plan in place, don’t try to reinvent something improval what we had. That’s all we need to do. Look at what we have improve on that and do not threaten to take away people’s shorts because whatever they come on with health care fall, they don’t take away somebody’s chores and all they need to do is work on improving what we have in place in her ears. If ACA, let’s just work with a group.

Speaker 3: Thank you. Delegate OLED Telmar. First I’d like to thank you for [inaudible]. Access to a seal workforce continues to be a tremendous heat for our local employers. We are severely lacking technicians. We can as welders electricians, two additional traits to fill the onset of jobs being created by companies like Amazon. What programs and initiatives we support like these guys have career technical education partnerships or the reintegration of certification of veterans to ensure we are creating sustainable talent pipeline.

Helmer: It’s a great question and one that we should all be concerned about. As folks are talking about the national stage, we should be talking about what we as automation has changes in the workforce take place. Increasingly your ability to operate them work as businesses. We’re going to require a technically, technically educated workforce and in order to have sustainable levels of employment here, we’re going to have to have folks who have access to that education. Now I would offer by probably an unpopular sentiment here is that one of the reasons that we are lacking technical education in the trades is that we as a EMT union Commonwealth of undermine one of the most effective training pipelines for those who are able to act in the trade apprenticeship programs by the carpenters, by the electricians or the other word of other trade unions. I have been very effective elsewhere in the country at providing a technically effectively educated workforce that can do things like build clean rooms, right by sight. My mind that I can work on very specific specifications that help us operate and continue with the workforce shortages in areas like construction where we’re struggling right now to keep up with demand. Why do you have the cost for all of us? So there are two sides of the cost equation on labor when we fly now the cost of labor so much

Helmer: that you can’t attract your brave. We were going to pay for it somewhere. So encouraging uh, unions to get engaged in workforce training area as well as looking at how we do technical certification with military veterans leaving the military, making sure that if you drove a noose and a half or two and a half on truck in the military, we give you a commercial driver’s license here in Virginia. Looking at how we make sure that military spouses aren’t impacted by different certification requirements or all the phones that is certainly making significant and major investments in technical education. Some of the wonderful state schools like George Mason university,

Roem: so, um, I higher than 80% of my LA and I can tell you that when you talk to military families especially, you will hear that transfer transferability of skill sets is such a huge deal when we’re talking exactly about what [inaudible] was talking about. There is currently sub licensing for example, that if you are a teacher in Washington state that you are a teacher in another city, that you should be able to be able to teach in Virginia with as little pain as possible. Especially because your spouse or your parent or whoever it is is serving abroad and that requires you be transferring seats. It’s safe. At the same time, we also see that we can come to Kampala, which owns the educational credit transfers for military families as well. And this being said, if you’re going to college in another state or you’re going to a higher learning Institute, wherever it is in another safe, or even if you’re just doing your K-12 and you’re in high school, then when you are then transferred here somewhere in Virginia, not all of those credits come along with you every single time.

Roem: If you want to support our military, support, our military families, it is wildly important. At the same time, and we’re talking about career technical education, one of the prompts that we had in the NAS as part shirts and both as I’ve talked to the CC a teacher actually on the men’s part, it’s a lack of physical spaces in the building at the high school to adequately, um, train a number of people who are going to go through what lead into the workforce. Because even though we will still have a lot of students from [inaudible] high school who will go into, you know, who will go to Nova or we’ll go just to apologize, all a lot of students with us or in high school must be labor ready by kind of dig it out. And so if I’ve got folks over at IDW willful 26 in the 13th district golf ball sport road telling me that Hey, we keep, not only can we keep these young adults out of debt, but at the same time that we will either $20 an hour to learn the trade and then we’ll even $25 an hour starting salary and they’re actually out of the, that’s

Guzman: being if you passed it. And the more I can urge the more. So I would start by sharing you through the legislation that was able to last this year. That will help [inaudible] if you had a nurses every Sunday vacation process is like Jake’s not in the past [inaudible] you would think that boy year. So now any maybe dice falls with a nurse and local Virginia. The recent litigation roses will take only 30 days because they need to. Joanie, that report CDN, that’s not a veterans. I think I have that. I just hope relation with veterans in my district. If I have [inaudible] on the area, maybe child long pair and I’m passionate about it has been a deal. So I have health, how they’re accountable. [inaudible] delegation and we [inaudible] will address the needs that were mentioned earlier. We all know it’s a reality that we need to also support systems.

Guzman: We provide resources, lower veterans [inaudible] world. It is necessary. We’re trying to find resources right now. For example, one of the things they’ll have dreads, looting these some holes was that map of assessments with better knots. Are these charts on early? Only on dishonor only, so we don’t know what that exhaust is that they need, but that was a fit. At least installation. We’ve have Olsen my notes here. Then I also, we have also address the need of or children, you know, what gym or moving for places with Lexus. We must go by the support system for them so they could you know, accommodate these new environments when they are Jakey from maybe from the state was saved and they never had to study at UT. So we that we have provided for our school counselors, we need more money and I would ask the chairman

Speaker 6: [inaudible]

Torian: awesome

Speaker 6: [inaudible]

Torian: so is the unemployment rate is 2.6% 2.6% and we CA have jobs so we are unable. That’s an amazing problem that we are moving from our traditional work force design where our kids go off to college and they graduate and come out with a skill set and they are now fence but more specialized where we’re going to be moving away from the traditional sense of how we educate and train and be a lot more specific. That’s where we need to have, that’s where I need Julia, you give me the suggestions. I mean Ivy as a cute thing will work. We can’t come up with all this. You got about business owners, you have to tell us what you need. And then if there’s legislation that is needed to appropriate to meet the need, then we submitted that legislation so that we can support your efforts and what your concerns are. I often tell my constituents, uh, I’m meeting with them. You can give me your concerns. Tell me what your concerns are. And then that is how I feel that I’m not the brightest guy in the room. Don’t pretend to be, but I think I have a little bit of wisdom. Part of my wisdom is say, come share with me what your challenges are and the ways that you think we can fix those sounds, but to have a 2.6% unemployment rate, I’m going have jobs that you still cannot deal. What a great problem to have

Speaker 3: there. Four questions. I’ve heard choice. So this next question [inaudible] view is related to your [inaudible]. There’s been much speculation that majorities in both houses [inaudible] Virginia was just recently awarded the number one state can do business by CMEC due in part to right status. You support, maintain and ensure employer choice. If not, why?

Roem: Well in 2016 I joined the majority of the 13th district debt residents and voting against the constitutional amendment. That would have been shrined work into the state constitution and if you want to call it by this other term, which is a feeler term. Then finally to do that as well. At the same time, I also know that this is going to be a chief policy position for art and so if you want to talk to the person who’s going to be meeting on that issue and then please by all means talk to our colleagues in the city of NASA’s. In the meantime I’m going to be making sure that I’m continuing to expand Amit rights and I’m going to make sure that I’m continuing to find the cost effective way to expand the, you know, very out of Gainesville for example. I’m going to do a lot of things that people in this room are going to be really, you know, we’re going to be able to work collaboratively when it comes to transportation, when it comes to education, when it comes to making sure that you know the person who was hearing you actually have healthcare.

Roem: Then at the same time that don’t on the house floor, I know how to be following the will of the people. The 13th district voted for it and wasn’t dealing with that. With the choice part of this,

Helmer: when we were doing our chamber, I already discussed this with bras and the other people you are on that call where we talked about what existing precedent duty under the siege, where this free follow, right, and if we’re talking about that number one rating, well let’s talk about the [inaudible] and because of the right people ranked dead last in the country, how’s that possible? We felt behind West Virginia. Again, how is that possible? [inaudible] [inaudible] so with that I’ll just turn it over to the delegate. Tim, Audrey, Charlestown [inaudible]. I think Bridget has spoke louder this crime for us to reject old notions that say the best for business means being more, uh, I think we didn’t just have an election in which a chamber endorsed candidate who was endorsed in part because of a position position on so-called right work lost decisively. But we had an opportunity to get right.

Helmer: Like so I ran against somebody or the chamber. Dorsey said it was because he was in support, right to work, brought us here. The reality is is that we talked through Virginia as I talked to my district and you can see a two track comedy in which women, minorities and many of our veterans that have been left behind in which witnesses which wages are not living wages. And we need to fix that. And what we need is the cooperation of the business community and that’s awfulness of the business community and how we get there. And so rather than perceiving rather than perceiving a desire to make sure we lift people out of poverty and recognize that they can be a work as a threat. I think we, all of us here as hardworking people, many of us who run businesses I need to talk together about how is it that we create an economy that works for all of us now this that that I’m going to be fighting for in the general assembly so that every Virginia who works in this common level has the opportunity to live in dignity and getting rid of laws that inhibit the ability of people to collectively bargain for their wages is one of the ways in which we’re going to ensure that our wheat, we no longer have to track of wages and benefits keep up with the growth, the economy and that is 2.2% unemployment rate means that people are able to live.

Guzman: Note that of the data or the statement that you made about being the number one business, another one your business is because we have way to ride for the state. I think that that other is conveyed the amount of work that businesses have. Bully blades, they’ll retain their employees. So I don’t know, I’ve never seen that data. I would like to see if you will, that you shared with all of us or that you would like to see it. I think that we’ve talked rate basis, this business of emerging. I would say that all that needs to go so fast and I wouldn’t have to recognize that we believe in a safe where we are and that is not right. You know, it’s like we have to revise those uh, those spaces. Often they do say no, I’m not going to use it. The right for the safe and I’ve really never, I do work via if that’s for, I mean it’s closer but I don’t do league. Guzman: I’m a union member and this is also information that is publicly available. And my union, Rutgers says the safe that please, I want to, I enjoyed and junior needs because it’s important for me when I have, what we have for them is Jane DOE, what salaries [inaudible] that were benefits, what we’d have to know. How the trainings that we need as an employee [inaudible] class, we’ll have a seat at the table and thought when these decisions are made, now wouldn’t that be wonderful when you are writing in our conversation that is running our inclusiveness. We’ll have one person from your workforce sit at the table. They got half a voice on the styling, what is best for them and for, and that’s what,

Torian: why didn’t work is a real big political issue. Really big into a great deal of politics. If you want transparency, that’s the deal, not see what you have here, you would like us to maintain why you work other opposed to I can see that change. I will tell you that the current administration, uh, has issues with uh, overturning over billing. Like at work. Um, members of the Senate has some issues with it. Members of the house we’ll also have issues with, uh, someone get rid of it. Some do not. The government has grave concern going away. And so what I would share with the folks is that we believe get in the room, maybe you’d have a discussion. Now there are concerns to be voice and move away from always had an absence of those things up fixable, equal ability to get the room and have a conversation and really find out what all the real issues. Once the real issues come in identified, then there are solutions to them. But oftentimes we want to deal with absolutes and absolutes are not always the answer. But I will tell you going into the 2020 session in his normal meeting, a very hot political issue,

Guzman: we have repeatedly reached out to him and ESPN system. He declined to participate in the business unit. So I’d now like to open it up. Appreciate you mentioning the unemployment rate 2.6 and I can tell you that there’s a solution to that problem, which is the one third of people with disabilities are currently participating in the workforce with the two first were not for geez, 39 and funding for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And there’s a long way that we have to go and uh, over 10,000, 14,000 people are on waitlists right now waiting to work. It’s a phenomenal workforce. It’s an untapped talent that we’re not utilizing. And I think it’s a big issue for us in a state where some of the solutions, what we propose to increase the [inaudible]. So at [inaudible] last year, [inaudible] was not harder than the Republican majority. I lost all of that. I already passed [inaudible] but I’m coming back and I’m bringing my day to station with Lily blues kind of preferences where people with disabilities at the same level. It’s not a program that it’s already been a bummer and it will grow by of references when people kind of lose the job, you know, intellectually the death study, civility things not done a waste their farm, that job. And they will provide at least some points during that interview when they’re [inaudible].

Torian: The only thing I want to share that you and I’ll probably sit down, that’s all I, you know, you have an insight and expertise that I do not have. That helped me tremendously because I really wouldn’t win. When we talk about the workforce, that’s the population of our citizens and our community that we very rarely think about. And so you have us, Guzman: what I just want to point out that oftentimes people consider people who are born with a disability and not acquired disability, disability,

Helmer: a stroke, heart attack, as well as all of that very, very excited to carry on a conversation. I’ve talked like this as part of loss. He’s like in Afghanistan, choir, choir, stability, right? So this issue of personally passionate about it runs a huge spectrum. It is, it is a, a cross disciplinary issue. Things like a low minimum wage, actually discouraged people with disabilities at times from being able to enter the workforce riders. The trade off is, uh, you know, there are all sorts of things we need to look at structurally to encourage people and recognize the incredible benefit that we get from, uh, providing opportunities for those specific cities to enter the workforce. And the unique perspective you to all my evidence. Like, Hey, I love to find people with disabilities, but biking, I gotta accommodate. And actually the reality is, is that by bringing in folks with diverse perspective, you empower and create a better workforce that is more able to serve more diverse customer base that represents more of what Virginia is. So I think there’s real power in making sure that we give them opportunities at those with disabilities. And it’s not just a disadvantage that each way me [inaudible] need to change that. [inaudible]

Helmer: so I’m listening to a few things here. Number one, um, my immediate family actually went through the independence arts center by the way, and taking care of them, taking care of the folks that are in the art. Prince William art, Northern Virginia was a passion project and said, if you want to follow up offline in this, talk about it, because as the always talking about is this is part of meeting entity. I put in a bill the last two years that would require insurers to have to cover the costs for mechanical prosthetic devices. For me these, for example, because it’s one of my constituents, you know, she’s missing her [inaudible] elbow and you know, she’s actually the first person in Paris state to get more money. [inaudible] and so I want to make sure that all the constituents where you teach, for example, have the ability to have all four Linden, sorry.

Helmer: Because it’s not just a physical health issue. This is a mental health issue. And at the same time it also is what allows her to be doing a lot of our games to drive a car. You know, she fell back to work. She has a lot of different jobs and she wants to do, she wants to work in crunch for example, and she can’t do right now. So being insured that are, have insurers actually provide for people with ongoing disabilities especially is why we imported it. And I was one of the delegates in 2018 who introduced the legislation to, uh, to eliminate the cap, the autism healthcare in this year. You know, we all got past [inaudible] stable. Um, we got passed the bill that eliminated all these restrictions on. [inaudible]

Helmer: didn’t make any sense about why we’d actually have an each family. And so I’ll say look offline and be very, very happy. I’m pretty loud. [inaudible] so I, uh, some, gosh, 10, 12 years ago, um, when, uh, Senator Colgan became Senate finance committee chair, I had the opportunity to ask this question and now I get dumped in the lab of delegatory and um, uh, but, but the question was everybody, uh, any, any, uh, early comments you wanna make about budget amendments that we might see coming forward, uh, that, uh, that will, uh, impact a business community here in Prince William County in the city of masses. [inaudible]

Torian: martyr. We have not, uh,

Torian: we have not begun to develop the legislative, uh, corporations then, or let me just take a moment to share with you where we are with the democratic majority, obviously about changes that take place and where we are right now. Certain growth rates, uh, make some decisions relative to staffing. Uh, getting organized is a huge job that’s new that, uh, right now I am well, to be honest with you, just the transition itself, uh, taking on a new role, learning that new role. Uh, I will tell you that it’s great to be in a position where we can help put a slip. It’s good to be in that position and learning what that means and how we will be able to do, uh, financially, uh, counted to benefit you all. Tell me what recommendations you all are in the lease, in your community from an economic development stand for things that you may see that financially we can take the Richmond as budget amendments and they perhaps have some favorable results.

Torian: I’ve always said that inclusiveness for me is important. I don’t have all the answers, you know, but if you’re in a position [inaudible] position, you allow that vision to work for others. And, and so, you know, I will tell you, I, it’s, it’s, it’s humbling to be in that position, but it’s also overwhelming, right? To seek the transition. But I’ve always weighed it out, developed with dysplasia. And the way that operative budget amendments is that when we have these legislative meetings, lunches, Rutgers, whatever, what have you either from you all helps me when I go back to Richmond, that that’s been my approach and that judicious nature. It’s exactly why I think you’re the man from job

Guzman: so why didn’t it happen? So I thought it was spoken with a general number of patients yet that’s something that is very important. Not that it’s a need right now. It brings me to felonies or seven eco BTC. The amount of Navy waivers, there’s a huge amount of waiting. They, so they’re hopeful that we can get more money or any waivers. Uh, another appropriation piece is going to be the transportation part. I strongly believe that D bulls, a lot of the transportation system, we don’t have no businesses establishing. It brings me a county’s officer as well as he was mentioning something about the other care. It wasn’t dress, the niece and nephew moments. A few names that go about the number of people that have not accessed either eligible but they have not taken advantage of either Medicaid or the marketplace. Other conversations right now be definitely be to, well maybe that question when you are finding your estate that’s if you resent the form where you are going insure or you are thinking the fines on those values insurance, we can not fit. I think that that’s wrong. We’ll ask that question. I’ll provide you have all in and we can provide the information and send your information to the same people that marketplace or you’ve got to get access [inaudible] for that and that’s what I can think of right now as far as money.

Roem: Oh, so surprised to know you. What I’ll just [inaudible] here is for everyone in the room here is my top funding priority is going to make sure that we are taking care of the PTA because I recognize the boy that we have without us having the chairman of the MBTA being from [inaudible] and I’m going to be making sure that we have a constant constant voice in the majority caucus for fully funding the MBTA and taking care of our regional transportation needs. [inaudible] out all nine jurisdictions that make up names as you’re eating. This is the time where as before we have you borrowed transportation. Jordan is time for us to fully fund transportation, especially in the economic engine that drives Virginia, which is this is not an option for us. It is mandatory for us meat pass to get this done and all the remind folks here that we’ve lost out.

Roem: Let me FBI relocate my headquarters relocation in the first round where they all feel important point the whole thing we lost out in the first round. We did not have Metro rail, how to innovation department with one word change in the federal level from Metro rail to commuter rail. If we add theory to innovation Mark, we could have made a hell of a competitive case for that and we can also, by taking care of Walbridge in particular, I will tell you the most important rail, uh, that we can possibly win the state is both fix the existing problems. We have the long version as well as dealing with the widen for the, for the basics that you have one freight by lion if we take care of that with meals up for your research here considerably. Because when we were looking at $616 million price static, Sabrina would be area 11 miles out to a market.

Roem: I don’t believe that we’re the County supervisors. That point for instead is opting to expand a blog one station at the same time. I’ll just tell you from doing the door to door, door to door to door, anyone in Gainesville, why constituents want to hear the data that came back to the County. This is not complied with the reality that I have from talking to [inaudible] or asking me, when are we going to get this? We have to get this. And that means fully plunging your PTT and the same time to be here to body never voted our roof.

Helmer: So [inaudible] UTA mass transit, uh, is, uh, I agree that we need to identify, uh, creative revenue sources. We need to look at the cost side of the equation as long to make sure that you’re investing in transportation architecture that allows us to spend more time with our families and employees. We’re closer to the political, closer to where they were and encouraged folks to basically make sure that our infrastructure has anything on it. We talk a lot about the concerns of the chamber. I’m, I, I’m very concerned about the growth of the small businesses and innovation and the workforce here in Virginia and Virginia. And so I want to look at budgetary options to increase the availability of capital and funding for small ways, innovative technology solutions for issues of major importance from IOT to AI to um, clean energy. And we need to become the clean energy and technology, just the region of the country by creating access to capital. What makes sense for small businesses to grow here. And so that’s where I’d like,

Torian: so we just completed preparations [inaudible] two days.

Torian: One of the things, one of the forecasts and the loads being all of you who were in business problem seekers right now when moving along, pretty decent pace, but potentially the growth as well as stall down maybe next year, maybe a couple of years from now, two or three years from now. But at the level where we are now forecast is, is that our economy is about to slow down. So what do we do from an a corporation stand for, we put money in the reserve so that when the economy shifts we are not adversely impacted. That was rainy day fund. And then we created a new reserve fund where we’re seeking to increase that budget to about $3 billion so that when the economy changes, Virginia is not adversely impacted. You know, until you said in those seats where you see these things, we can talk about spending, spending, spending funding [inaudible] but my top and our job is to help protect your quality of life. That’s what we’re there for. That’s what I’m there for. And so when you see these trends, that is our job as leaders to be prepared for those threads when they come out away.

Speaker 3: Awesome. I appreciate it. I’m [inaudible] supervisor [inaudible] district and I think that, um, just briefly, this is such a wonderful opportunity for us as uh, our chairman. I only went to chairman for the appropriations committee has said and that we are transitioning it to change and no one likes to change, but I look at the supervisor’s position as a rigid filter if you will, and supporting the business community, supporting the constituents, but being a raise bill through to the nugget, the dominance for the general assembly. And so my question with all of that said, because this is such a great opportunity, is what can we do as a new mind coming into our roles because it is overwhelming but it’s an opportunity and it’s based upon building the trust and the respect within the community. What can we do to support a better Virginia being in the seat coming into the seat first I just want to mention the year so excited

Roem: to work with our new kind of supervisors

Speaker 6: [inaudible]

Roem: as the acrimonious relationship that we’ve seen before. We’re not happy antagonistic relationship at least before I have complete confidence in dealers and they’re going to up in front of the generalist [inaudible] paper with the confidence that we’re going to have adults sitting in the tables and actually talking in good faith with each other to make sure that we are taking care of Prince William County and that are not jeopardizing Prince William status within the general assembly by insulting members of the majority party. While we’re doing [inaudible], we’re going to have to be functional working relationship and to supervise the Bailey. Even if you are on the Eastern and among the Western head, you are welcomed in the opposite of the 13th dessert anytime. Have you ever talked to mr office as well? Because as far as I’m concerned, taking care of Dumfries, taking care of robbing order, that is a principle accounting issue, whether or not it’s on the Western or the East.

Roem: We have four together and we have to work together in good faith so that our constituents trust us to get the job done and that because Prince William now has the incredible clout with LV orient beach or the appropriations committee, we’re not going to be treated as a laughingstock of Virginians. It’s not gonna matter. We’ve seen it on the house floor. We have seen Prince William County called out with council for bad behavior that nothing happened. Now we’re going to be in a really good place where we’re being inclusive of our minority majority community. We’re going to love you because of who you are, not despited. And that goes for no matter what you look like, where do you come from, how you worship you do or that you weren’t Prince William County or you were in Virginia? Well, the budget here

Helmer: I am very excited or where does all the members of the board of supervisors and I echo more than I’ve ever said, although I’m looking forward and to the moment

Speaker 6: [inaudible]

Helmer: to, to uh, to the broader point. I think, look, I think we have in a unexplained County we have real opportunities to invest smartly create a regulatory legal framework that incorporates Prince William not as a stepchild. I hope that this associated port of Virginia that as a full member of the family, uh, that is welcomed into the economic growth and benefits of our adjacent counties. And I think in some cases we have missed out on those opportunities. Uh, sitting down with supervisor Catlin next week. I don’t think these are partisan issues. I think they are issues in which we all need to work together to even where we need your help. Which was would you ask is to articulate the vision of what that looks like for all of our constituents here to support the needs of a broad and diverse, uh, group of people. Our business community, our, uh, our working families hopes of every single race and religion and the incredible diversity that makes this County a great one. And so where I look forward to working with all of you is to, uh, hearing what you’re hearing, understanding what the needs of our community are, and to begin that process of truly integrating principal even County into an engine, uh, that joins the rest of the, the pistons that are pumping in Northern Virginia and really grows alongside of it in a way that works for every single day.

Guzman: Well, if I did, I could start for a [inaudible] service or kind of supervisor marquee knowing my constituent. Thank you for your time.

Speaker 6: [inaudible]

Guzman: I was asked to acknowledge that [inaudible] nice. Had that great to relationship and excited about the future as well. You know, I definitely think having conversations for the new amount of work supervisors on Francois station [inaudible] something that is so important right now for our communities. Reading at justice reform, being able to defend our office [inaudible] and [inaudible] say [inaudible] myself, there are so many and I’ve chosen the soundings in raising income and is my hole that you started with divisiveness and Hey, the mom communities run through the body. This is the December 31st and we started running generally the first being proud of who we are, what we represent, and three, every single wonderful woman Steve Jones with dignity and respect.

Speaker 6: Thank you. My advice, you [inaudible] the board

Torian: of County supervisors have lost years of institutional knowledge and institutional knowledge matters when you’re trying to cover is so extremely important that not only do you learn the processes, but you learn, you learn how to vote and people may take that. That’s those just words. But it is truly the process to learn how to govern. You learn how to lead and to receive the constructive criticism and you vote to be faced with, uh, you cannot shut out. People like mighty annoyed. You should welcome him into your life.

Speaker 6: [inaudible]

Torian: there was enough of institutional knowledge that he has that he in partly you that’s still there to help you make no mistake about it. You all have targets on your back. You were responsible for leading on camera and you must leave. Well, you must leave.

The post $15 an hour minimum wage supported by local legislators appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

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#IFTTT #What's Up Prince William #PWC News

[wilhelminasrose-blog]

Air Balls On NCAA Men's Hoops

For me that accordion the actress saddled with it represents everything that's wrong with Theatre Memphis' credible but not entirely satisfying revival of Edward Albee's Pulitzer Prize winning curiosity. Ontario 45 colleges and universities will also get less money from Queen Park, about $400 million less over four years. If they don get it, they die the way you die without air, without sidemeat. Add raisins and a dash of cinnamon sugar and it tastes even better. The temperature was forecast to top 100 for Sunday afternoon series finale.. He said Francisco Cardona and the third shooting victimwere about robbing a drug dealer. Farmers markets and organic produce aisles are good places to go to buy a single small onion (or a large shallot) and exactly as many carrots as you need for dinner for two. The display of fauna feculence made national news and received plenty of coverage by local TV news for once, they literally broadcast crap. Halzack (2016) claims this recent experimental marketing practice has morphed into a mini economy with dizzying financial stakes. BrownDeer High School played host as a neutral site for the playoff basketball matchup. She is known there, and in her various communities, as a thoughtful and strategic leader, experienced in leading change and building teams, and a steward for the future. It can show up on your knees, scalp, elbows, palms, lower back and the soles of your feet. In fact, like Jimmy, hypothyroidism is very easy to manage.. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Rift Valley north west of the capital, Nairobi, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said on its Twitter account. Events scheduled for the days before the awards ceremony, she wrote to Reebok and declined. Let the Jordan business get overheated, which slowed down the liquidations. Adding many new capabilities requires only a software update no waiting for next year's model. I went to UCLA film school, and the first day of making my student film, I was squatting under a sink in the bathroom, doing the first shot of someone looking in a mirror. The same price brings a breakfast of yam, banana dumpling, and callaloo, but we haven't even mentioned the really lip smacking stuff found at Cliff's: curried goat with a devilish ginger masala kick, and barbecued and/or jerked chicken and pork ribs that get slow cooked in a black barbecue smoker outside. They may have limited transportation options from their home to the office. It also decreases the use of hard earned resources which is also great due to the green globe campaign nowadays.. A vehicle was reported missing from the garage the minivan involved in the pursuit and standoff. She call the embassy? Did a Russian car roll up? She called her attorney, and we cheap yeezy shoes stood there and let the government go through her apartment for an entire day. Have you had any alcohol?"PoliticsDad of four living off 60 a month as Brexit worries hit Liverpool familiesMany are worried that Merseyside could be hit hardest by a no deal BrexitLiverpool FCHow Liverpool's Champions League group fixtures could affect the Premier League title raceLiverpool will begin their Champions League title defence against Napoli, Red Bull Salzburg and KRC Genk but how will it affect the title race?. Cadbury is fake yeezys for kids giving customers the chance to design its next chocolate barThe firm is launching its annual Inventor Competition, which gives you the chance to create something good enough to stock on supermarket shelvesGet the biggest What's On stories by emailSubscribe We will use your email address only for the purpose of sending you newsletters. Played DB in high school, I played some in junior college. Turn that rest stop into your personal jungle gym do push ups on the picnic table and hop from the flagpole to the interpretive sign. Kevin Roberts, the CEO of Saatchi and Saatchi advertising agency whose industry was threatened by the advent of co branding strategy, came up with his own approach to counter the effects of co branding. After testing some bags and backpacks for Lego last year, it expanded the collection for fall and did focus groups with children and adults. Only in the best years of their careers could Hall of Famers Cheap Fake Yeezys Jan Stenerud, George Blanda and Lou Groza come close to that kind of success rate.. I believe the main problem here is the fact that Brisbane has been a sleepy country town for such a long time. Additional features like commercial skip, background transcoding and multiple tuner input for multiple channel recording only sweeten the deal.As far as setup and configuration goes, MCE 2004 won this round. Together they represent Generations X, Y and Z, with Richardson Walsh and Grey Thompson familiar to medal podiums and public speaking, and Jones Hall and Thompson Smith eager to gain more experience of both. 5: 22 year old woman strangled; moderate injuries reported; investigation ongoing. I trying to do is go around from town to town and I drawing as big of crowds, or bigger than anybody, Biden said last month after an event in Prole, Iowa, that drew about 130 people in a town with a population of less than 1,000. You should take your pick depending on your need. Even if women buy the product in spite of the ads, enough of them doing that will give the impression that the marketing strategy was brilliant.

[boney-king-of-nowhere-blog]

Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011 - Lizzy Goodman

One of my earliest musical memories is of hearing the intro to Limp Bizkit’s Rollin’, leaping out of bed and running into the living room in my pyjamas where (fittingly) I began to roll around on the carpet in front of Kerrang TV. The nu-metal anthem was released in October 2000. I was 6 years old and had a Star Wars dressing gown with a picture of Darth Maul’s face on it.

Not only did the video provide one of my first entry points to rock and roll, it also gave me an early glimpse of New York City. In a video which draws inspiration from an iconic scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Fred Durst, sporting his trademark red New York Yankees cap (turned backwards obviously), cruises around town in a Bentley Azure after being mistaken for a valet by an impatient Ben Stiller and Stephen Dorff. Interspersed between these shots of Durst rollin’ around Manhattan is footage of the band performing under floodlights atop the South Tower of the former World Trade Center.

A year later on September 10th 2001 Limp Bizkit received the MTV award for Best Rock Music Video. I don’t remember where I was the next day when the towers fell and I wouldn’t see the Strokes until 10 years later at Reading Festival, where Jarvis Cocker stole the show, joining the band onstage for a cover of The Cars’ Just What I Needed.

I probably first became aware of the Strokes through Sum 41’s video for their 2002 single, I’m Still Waiting. It opens with the band sitting opposite a record company exec who, without listening to Sum 41’s latest album, informs them that number names (Blink 182, Green Day 75) are out and ‘the’ bands (The Strokes, The White Stripes, The Led Zeppelins) are in. He encourages them to take up smoking and tells the lead singer to change his name to Sven in a clear nod to the Hives’ recent breakthrough. When I finally watched the video for Last Nite I was repulsed by the combination of booze, cigs and apathy. Reared on the cleancut rebelliousness of early noughties pop punk I felt that the world of the Strokes was somehow sleazy and adult.

So I can’t claim that I was there. Only years after their much-hyped emergence in the UK did I properly listen to Is This It, which soon became my default birthday present for friends  who at the time were listening to My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and Panic at the Disco. The White Stripes with their child-friendly videos and ability to tap into the lad rock market were already on my radar. However, I had no idea of the connection between these bands at the time and the role played by Manhattan.

When I first visited New York in 2010 on a family holiday I remember being excited to explore Brooklyn, home to MGMT and the Drums, who had released their debut EP Summertime just a few months earlier. Only later and largely through reading this book did I begin to appreciate the interaction between the Manhattan and Brooklyn scenes and the way in which the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in particular formed a link between the two.

This was first oral history of this sort that I’ve read. At first I found myself getting annoyed whenever I’d have to flick back to the front of the book to work out who was speaking. Quickly, though, I settled into a rhythm, enjoying the way in which individual voices began to take on their own character. Midway through reading I was sad to learn that the journalist Marc Spitz had died. His cynical sense of humour memorably cuts through the occasionally romantic recollection of figures like Ryan Adams.

The oral history format seems to work best when there are scores to be settled, as in the fallout between the Strokes and Ryan Adams. Rather than impose a definitive version of events, the layout puts all voices on an equal footing. The reader is left to make their own judgement or simply to lament that the disagreement ever occurred in the first place. The saddest part of the book for me was the development and deterioration of Tim Goldsworthy and James Murphy’s relationship. The early descriptions of an inseparable friendship based around fanatical music knowledge and James’ introduction to MDMA capture a feeling of joyful arrogance and a sense of relief for James in the year in which he lost both his parents.

In an early scene from film 24 Hour Party People Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan, introduces super producer Martin Hannett, played by Andy Serkis, as ‘the only bona fide genius in this story’. We later meet him wandering the peak districts trying to record silence before a recording session with Joy Division in which the producer insists that the band take apart the drum kit and reassemble it on the roof. Journalist Rob Sheffield compares the late Hannett to James Murphy and the fictional Tony Wilson’s description could equally be applied to the maverick producer’s role within this book’s story.

At every stage in the book Murphy comes across as uncompromising, competitive, and wilfully intimidating. Tim seems to have been the only person James respected musically and the only one with whom he could work professionally. The success of LCD Soundsystem’s debut, however, appears to have proved a breaking point. No consensus is reached in the book as to whether Tim recorded his own album at DFA - cofounder Jonathan Galkin is adamant that nothing was produced - but clearly the relationship could not survive Tim’s unannounced departure and alleged theft of DFA equipment.

Yet despite the tension behind the scenes, the first LCD Soundsystem LP emerges as the product of a genius. Amongst all the bands mentioned in the book, LCD were the ones I clicked with last. As a teenager I had a strong idea about which bands were acceptable to my aesthetic. So the the dance / indie hybrid was probably unacceptable to this carefully curated persona. On top of that their frame of reference and the types targeted by James must have gone whistling over my head. Looking back now, though, they seem to be the major success story of the period and blessed with the rare ability to describe their own scene from within.

Their first single, Losing My Edge, reads as a kind of record collector’s manifesto and rightly receives its own chapter in Goodman’s book. Without using the word ‘hipster’ Murphy satirises a certain type of golden age thinking, perfectly summed up in his attack on ‘borrowed nostalgia for the unremembered 80s’. At the same time, like all great satirists, Murphy is able to poke fun at his own foibles, writing himself into music history as ‘the first guy playing Daft Punk...to the rock kids at CBGBs’. In this way he perfectly captures the insecurity of the record collector bore and the way in which nostalgia can be used as a defence mechanism by the ageing and irrelevant.

Losing My Edge could serve as a tongue in cheek warning to those who might argue that this particular period of musical history pales in comparison to the heyday of the Velvet Underground or the Ramones and Blondie. Perhaps this is part of the reason why the mythology of so many musical movements requires bands to define themselves within a kind of musical wasteland. By doing so they lift the burden of their influences and turn resentment into creative energy. Like Punk after Prog or Grunge after Hair Metal, the Strokes are remembered in opposition to nu metal and soft rockers such as Travis or Snow Patrol. In New York this sense of existing within a musical wasteland was surely felt more acutely in the wake of 9/11 when a smog settled on the city and abandoned hedonism took hold in downtown Manhattan.

Towards the end of this 600 page oral history Karen O describes the self-doubt and suspicion felt by the scene’s earliest members. ‘We were part of a real moment but nobody would let you enjoy that’, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer observes, bemoaning the amount of time spent worrying about the authenticity of New York’s latest musical revival. She recalls the relief she felt after picking up an old issue of New York Rocker only to see the same doubts raised about Blondie and the Ramones.

Without glossing over disappointments or disagreements, Meet Me in the Bathroom at its best captures the moments of joy inbetween this self-doubt, of feeling part of something local, of sensing that there was nothing to lose after 9/11 and no longer having to listen to Limp Bizkit on the radio.

#rocknroll #oralhistory #newyork #noughties #limp bizkit #sum 41 #the strokes #white stripes #lcd soundsystem #mgmt #the drums #faber #dfa #blondie #ramones #velvet underground #ryan adams #yeah yeah yeahs #currently reading #books #music #kerrang

[bunnyywritings]

I'm soft I cant handle angst>∆< Could we have a different route where young pro hero reader accepts shinsou's confession? My heart weeps

misunderstood and unheard [alternate ending]

hitoshi shinso x fem!reader

[a/n: here’s the fluffy ending to【this ask】 thank you for requesting anon! I hope your heart is okay 🥺️ -yours truly, bunny -`ღ´-]

To say he was shocked is a bit of an understatement. He never thought that his work-study application to your agency would be accepted.

You were someone he looked up to, someone he admired. You were a young hero, no more than a couple years older than him and you were already in the Top 5 and had your own agency. You were known because of your quirk. It was very powerful but also seen as villainous. You had a history of never accepting any students for the work-study program, only accepting office interns. So imagine the disbelief on his face when Aizawa had given him the letter. He took it to his room and got comfortable. With fluttering fingers, he shakily ripped open the envelope and tossed it aside. He took a deep breath before carefully unfolding the paper. It was handwritten. You had taken the time to personally hand write him a letter.

‘Dear Hitoshi, I usually don’t take on any students for the work-study program, so I was a little surprised to see your application in my inbox. I decided to take the chance and look it over. Once I saw that you’re currently enrolled at UA, I requested to see footage from your practice matches and the sports festival. You show a lot of promise to become a top hero one day, you’re very talented. As you probably know, I have experience with a quirk like yours and seeing as there’s a lot of very unkind people and unwilling heroes, I would like to inform you that I will gladly accept your application for a work-study. I’m very excited to meet you and help you develop the kind of experience you need to grow as a young hero. I hope you’re ready, your first day starts this Friday at 7am. You’ve already been cleared from class if you decide you want to accept.’

You...you accepted his application...

He hugged his pillow to his chest and buried is red face into it. His heart was racing and adrenaline pumping. He had never been happier in his life. He 100% framed the letter and put it on his wall.

He woke up extra early on the morning of, he just couldn’t contain himself. He had decided to forgo the school uniform and dress in casual clothes, carrying his hero costume in the metal briefcase given by the school. It had definitely improved since his first year, it was simple but it worked. His heartbeat became more erratic as his legs carried him all the way to your agency building. All he could do was stand there, in absolute awe.

“Looks like we were both excited and got here early.” He jumped at the sudden voice beside him, eyes widening as his eyes landed on you. You were dressed in civilian clothes and it took everything in him to not drool. You definitely had style. He blushed when you tilted your head in a confused manner, realizing that he hadn’t responded.

“Y-yeah, sorry. I just c-couldn’t wait s-so...yeah.” He sheepishly scratched the back of his neck.

“Well then, come on in.” You giggled as you unlocked the door and held it open for him, he nervously walked. You followed behind him as he looked around in awe. You never really thought that your agency was anything special but he was looking around like he was in disneyland. People had described your office as very homey. There was an exposed brick interior, all the furniture was vintage looking, a turntable in the corner with a shelf of various different vinyl discs beside it. He felt like he was in his dream bedroom.

“Alright then, Hitoshi.” He turned to you, cheeks still pink. “Time to suit up.” The wink you gave him made his face burn. It was going to be a long day.

Going on patrol with you just made his adoration and pride for you grow. You had posed for pictures, did countless autographs, and even went out of your way to make a tik tok or two with some kids. There was no wonder why your social ranking was so high. Other than that, it was pretty uneventful. There was some guy trying to rob a convenience store while the both of you made your way back to the agency.

“Why don’t you take this one Hitoshi-kun.” You patted his shoulder encouragingly.

“Are you sure?” He cocked an eyebrow at you.

“Yeah, I fully believe in you.” Your smile is what filled him with courage.

He calmly approached the robber, “Sir are you sure you want to be doing that?”

“Of course! Now leave me alone you wannabe hero!” The second that shout left the man’s mouth, he froze. Eyes going blank.

You watched with your arms crossed, a small smile on your lips.

“Now why don’t you drop the weapon and put your arms around your back.” The man moved stiffly as he did what he was told. Shinso turned to you, eyes asking what he should do next. You unhooked a pair of handcuffs from your belt and tossed them to him. He caught them with ease and slapped them onto the man’s wrist.

After handing the robber off to the proper authorities, you both made your way to your agency. Ordering some lunch and eating it in your office.

“It must’ve been difficult for you.” His eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Growing up with a quirk like that.” After your clarification, he nodded somberly. Unpleasant memories resurfacing.

“All my life, I had been told my quirk was villainous. People were scared that I would take advantage of them, no one would talk to me...and sure things are a little different now but I still feel like no one truly gets it.” He didn’t know why he was being so honest but he felt like he could be honest with you.

“I truly understand how you feel. My own parents disowned me, they were disgusted by my quirk. My classmates were always terrified of me. They’d tell me that, even if I ever got to be a hero that I’d give the person I’m trying to save a heart attack. Even now as a pro, I get slandered in the press or while on patrols. I get called a demon, heroes like Endeavor are trying to kick me from the hero association.” His eyes widened as he listened to you talk, he could hear the tinge of pain in your voice.“Trying to navigate life alone is hard, I’ve been alone all of my life. When I saw you in the sports festival, the way people reacted to your quirk, I felt for you. I know what it feels like so I thought I’d-” Before you finished, a siren went off in your office.

“Well, looks like lunch time is over.” You smiled sympathetically at him. “Let’s go.“

After helping fend off a villain and having you throw yourself in front of him to protect him, the two of you made your way back.

“Uhm there’s a locker room down the hall. You can shower before heading back to your dorm.” You smiled but he could see you were tired. Right before you guys could leave, Endeavor had some interesting choice words for you and him. You were quick to defend him from the current number 1 hero instead of defending yourself. He felt bad. It was only his first day and you had to protect him from a villain and defend him from the sharp tongue of Endeavor. He nodded and grabbed his bag, making his way to the locker room.

“What do you want Enji? Didn’t you already get enough earlier?”

“Don’t run your mouth brat. I’m here to drop off paperwork for the damage you caused.” The stack of papers he tossed thumped against your desk and you got up and crossed your arms, scoffing.

“The damage I caused? I think you’re confused Enji because last time I checked, my quirk didn’t cause someone’s house to catch fire.” You went to reach for the stack of paper but he caught your wrist in a vice grip and pulled you closer to him.

“Don’t think that you’ll ever get to the top (y/n), I’ll always be there to kick you down.”

You chuckled, although it came off as more of a grimace. “That’s not very plus ultra of you Enji...you forget. Not everyone’s goal is to get to the top to try and revive any broken ego we have. Some of us are here to actually help people.” That didn’t please him as he shoved you away.

“I’ll be seeing you around (y/n).” He threatened. Shinso frowned as he watched Endeavor stomp out of the building, turning to you and seeing you rub our red wrist.

“Is everything okay?”

“Hmm? Oh yeah, he just dropped off some paper work.” He approached you and softly took you wrist in his hand, thumb gently running over the slight hand print he left behind.

“Did he-?”

“It’s okay Toshi-kun, it’s nothing.” The smile on your lips was convincing enough for him to drop the topic. “Now, why don’t you head back and get some rest. I’ve got some paper work to do.”

“I can help you with that.”

“Oh no, Toshi you should really go and get some rest.” You shook your head.

“Please, let me help you out. If I’m gonna be a hero, I should learn how to properly do paperwork, right?” He smiled, trying to convince you.

“Okay fine. Go put on a record and I’ll order us some more food.”

Over the next couple of hours, the two of you ate, did paperwork, danced around to whatever record was playing and just goofed around. After a bit, he had fallen asleep while resting his head on the desk.

“I told you to go home and rest.” You whispered, shaking your head. Picking up your phone, you sandwiched it against your cheek and shoulder as you placed your jacket over his shoulder.

“Hey Aizawa, your kid fell asleep while doing paperwork...yeah, I know...well I don’t mind keeping him here. I wasn’t really planning on heading home anyways...of course...thanks Shota.” After you hung up, you pushed Shinso’s hair back. “Sweet dreams Toshi.” You placed a soft kiss against his forehead. He tried hard to fend off the smile threatening to stretch his lips.

After that, the work-study lasted for 3 more months.

“Let’s go out.”

“H-Huh?” He stuttered, looking up from the paper work the both of you were doing.

“To commemorate your last day. Let’s go eat, it’s almost time to clock out anyways.“ He agreed and the both of you decided to go get some ramen. He couldn’t help but feel like this was a date. He knew it wasn’t but a boy could dream. As the both of you ate, he reminisced about spending so much time with you.

“I’m gonna miss you Toshi-kun.” Your sudden confession made his heart skip a beat. “I like having you around.” He paused, standing under a sakura tree that the two of you walked under.

“Is everything okay?” You asked as you turned around, standing in front of him.

“I-I need to be h-honest with you (y-y/n).”

“Oh okay, go ahead.” You smiled sweetly at him, trying to ease his worry.

“I think-I think I’m in l-love with you. You make me feel like I’m not alone and the things I experienced are valid. Y-Your smile makes my heart skip a beat and-and I’ve never really felt this way about anyone before...so uh y-yeah.” He did everything in his power to avoid looking in your eyes. He grew disheartened at your silence, taking it as a rejection. That was until he felt your fingertips on his cheek. He looked up, eyes widening at the timid smile on your lips and the blush on your cheeks.

“Took the words right out of my mouth Toshi.” Your soft voice was music to his ears. “I’m a little bit surprised that you uh-well that you like me.” You pulled away from him, he instantly missed your warm touch against his skin. “I didn’t think you’d return the feelings..that you’d think I-I was too old for you.” He was so shocked that he couldn’t help the chuckle that left his lips.

“S-Sorry, I don’t mean to laugh. It’s just...how could I no like you? Look at you.” He smirked at how your cheeks deepened a shade of red, the fact that he could make you so flustered fueled his confidence as he approached you, moving until he was inches from your face.

He leaned down, his lips brushing the shell of your ear. “Do I make you nervous, (y/n)?” His deep voice sent chills down your spine

“D-Don’t do that Toshi-kun...you’re gonna make my heart burst.” You placed your hands against his chest, softly pushing him away. He quickly held your wrists in place so you couldn’t move.

“Can I kiss you (y/n)?” You bit your lip, silently nodding. He released your wrist and moved to cup your cheek in his soft yet slightly calloused hand. His thumb moving to tug your lip from in between your teeth, caressing it softly. “You’re so beautiful.” This caused your cheeks to heat up once more.

“S-hut up...are you gonna kiss me or-mph!” He cut you off mid shout, the feeling of his lips against yours made the butterflies in your stomach to go crazy. He couldn’t help but grin into the kiss as he finally felt you reciprocate.

Both of you moved your heads to deepen the kiss but ended up bumping noses instead. Both of you jumping away from each other, breathless giggles leaving your lips.

“Come on, we should get going.” You grabbed his hand and intertwined your fingers with his.

He was so gonna brag about this to Denki.

#shinso x reader #hitoshi shinso x reader #bnha x reader #mha x reader